Expert: Brad Swain - 6/28/2010

Question
I've got a 1813 1/2 Penny Token  that I've not been able to locate in the Standard Catalog.  It may be Canadian because what I've been able to glean off the internet, it is the Nova Scotia Trade Navigation coin.  On the back it has HALF PENNY TOKEN in a cirle centered on three lines.  Around the edge it has "PURE COPPER PREFERRABLE TO PAPER". The other side shows an oldtime sailboat in the center and the words "TRADE NAVIGATION" and an 1813 date at the bottom.  I found it on e-bay but would like to know its approximate value, and, if possible, what K # is it??  Thanks in advance, whatever information you can provide is much appreciated.

thanks,
Rick

Answer
Hi Rick, it is listed under Nova Scotia in Coins of Canada as a Trade and Navigation token issued 1813-14 due to the shortage of regular government copper. Collector value may be worth about $10 with heavy wear to around $35 with moderate wear to maybe $75 with light wear.
Cleaning coins that leaves them shiny or scratched, even if only by looking with a magnifying glass, will reduce a coin's value by at least half.
You might also try a library for Coins of Canada, or Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Sorry, medical problems are causing delays in answering.
Brad