Cornish penny key-fob (DCF05)

Cornish tin penny (replica) mounted on a black leather fob with round split key-ring. Features a pumping engine with the year 1811 on the front and a pilchard with tin ingots and the wording 'For the accommodation of the county ' on the reverse

Cornish pennies were trade tokens. They were introduced and used when there was an inadequate supply of official small denomination coins. Tokens are privately produced substitutes for official coins. They were produced in Britain from the reign of Elizabeth I to that of George III, by companies or individuals, often large scale employers, to provide change. They reached their peak near the end of the 19th century. Monarchs usually held a monopoly on the minting and issuing of coins. This was normally a profitable activity, but the production cost of small coins often made them unprofitable to produce. Because of this, many monarchs neglected to produce sufficient quantities of low denomination coins to meet demand. This caused considerable inconvenience to, and unrest within, the poorer classes. It was not only monarchs, but also governments who failed to provide sufficient small coins for change.

Width: 48mm Length (including ring): 115mm

Supplied in a satin and velvet-lined gift box

$31.66 + Postage & Packaging @ $4.95