Nate E. writes: My friend has an 1813 Trade and Navigation token. On one side is has a picture of a ship sailing and says Trade and Navigation 1813. On the other side it says Pure copper preferable to paper and says half penny token in the middle. He wants to know it’s approximate worth and origin.
This is a Nova Scotia half penny token, essentially emergency money. There are several Nova Scotia tokens dated 1813 and several varieties that feature a sailing ship. “Trade and Navigation” was a popular phrase in the colony and the reference to “COPPER PREFERABLE TO PAPER” was a comment on a failed issue of paper money.
Collector value depends on variety and grade (state of preservation). Approximate range: US $3 – $150.
