1794 HALFPENNY TOKEN SOUTH SHEILDS

A rare 1794 halfpenny token from South Shields, a significant piece of numismatic history from the Industrial Revolution era. This copper token reflects the period when local merchants issued their own currency to address coin shortages. South Shields, a thriving port town, produced these tokens for everyday commerce. The piece showcases authentic period craftsmanship and patina, making it a valuable addition for collectors of British tokens, regional history enthusiasts, and those studying 18th-century trade practices. An excellent example of how communities adapted to economic challenges before standardised national currency became universal.