1795 1/2P Washington-Grate Large Buttons, LE, GW-49, BN MS65BN 认证号08709469, PCGS号743

Ron Guth

The Washington Grate Halfpenny is part of the series of merchant tokens and collector coins produced in England in the late 1700s.  Collectively, these coins are known as Conder tokens.  Some Conder tokens offered themes that related directly to the American Colonies or the United States.  This particluar piece, because of the portrait of George Washington that appears on the obverse, has been accepted into the canon of U.S. colonial coins, though the striking date was late and the association loose. 

The Grate Halfpenny derives its name from the fireplace grate on the reverse of the coin. This was meant to evoke the comfort and warmth of the home setting.  The edge bore the inscription: "PAYABLE AT LONDON LIVERPOOL OR BRISTOL."  The Large Button variety refers to the button on Washington's coat -- compare and contrast with the Small Button variety (PCGS #749).

The Grate Halfpenny is a relatively common coin, but true Mint State examples are somewhat scarce.  The finest examples certified by PCGS rate MS64.  Red-Brown examples are as scarce as hen's teeth.