1840s Ships Colonies & Commerce Copper Token | British Colonial Trade Maritime - VF

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1840s Ships Colonies & Commerce Copper Token | British Colonial Trade Maritime - VF
CA$45.00 CA$35.00

1840s “Ships, Colonies & Commerce” Copper Token – British Colonial Trade Piece

Offered here is an authentic 19th-century British colonial copper token, dating to the 1840s, featuring the famous imperial slogan “SHIPS / COLONIES / & / COMMERCE.” This historic token reflects Britain’s maritime power and global trade ambitions during the height of the British Empire.

🔹 Historical Significance

This slogan was widely used during mid-19th-century debates surrounding:

  • Expansion of British shipping

  • Colonial trade networks

  • Maritime and commercial dominance

These tokens were often distributed at political gatherings or used as symbolic trade pieces during a period of chronic small-change shortages.

🔹 Design

  • Obverse: “SHIPS / COLONIES / & / COMMERCE” in bold lettering

  • Reverse: Sailing ship under full sail (classic maritime imagery)

  • Border: Beaded rim

  • Metal: Copper

🔹 Condition

  • Honest circulation wear consistent with age

  • All lettering clearly readable

  • Attractive natural brown patina

  • Light verdigris typical of antique copper

  • No harsh cleaning or polishing