Holt's "Plantation" halfpenny (1/24 Real)
Dateca.1688
Mint
Tower of London
Patent Holder
Richard Holt & Co.
Engraver
John Crocker
OriginEngland, London
MediumTin
DimensionsDiameter: 27 mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family
Object number2004-8,11
DescriptionHolt's halfpennyLabel TextMade of almost pure tin, these coins are the first specifically made for Britain's American colonies. However, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and subsequent ousting of King James II interrupted their production. They were never well-received in America.
These tokens have a unique denomination, 1/24 of a Spanish real, as spelled out in the reverse legend. 192 of them to equaled a piece of eight or dollar, so it's not difficult to see why they were never popular.
Breen-80 ('HB REX' variety)
1729-1775 (host coin)
1788
ca. 1505
1773