Halfpenny, Penryn Volunteers, 1794 circa (metal)

Halfpenny, Penryn Volunteers, 1794 circa. The French Revolutionary War (1793-1802) produced an economic crisis which made currency scarce. Manufacturers and tradesmen produced their own tokens which would be redeemable at their premises. These soon circulated as an alternative coinage, and some issuers used their tokens to publicise the volunteer and yeomanry regiments to which they belonged. This example was issued at Penryn in Cornwall. It bears the arms of Lord de Dunsterville surmounted by a scroll on one side and a laureated beaded bust upon a trophy of arms, flags, and musical instruments, on the other.