The "Imitation Half Guinea Birmingham N6460 1790 REX F.D. CLXX HOCKLEY B.I.R.M." refers to a historical token or medallion that imitates the design and appearance of a Half Guinea coin. Such tokens were commonly issued by private mints, businesses, or individuals during times when official coinage was scarce, or as promotional items.
Let's break down the inscription:
1. **Imitation Half Guinea:** Indicates that the token is designed to resemble a Half Guinea, which was an English gold coin that was issued during the 18th century.
2. **Birmingham N6460:** Suggests that this token is associated with or possibly minted in Birmingham, and "N6460" might be a specific catalog or identification number.
3. **1790:** The year, providing a historical context to the token's creation.
4. **REX F.D. CLXX:** This inscription often mimics the official Latin phrase "REX F.D." (King by the Grace of God) that appears on official coins. "CLXX" could be a numeric representation, possibly 170, referring to the coin's face value or other significance.
5. **HOCKLEY B.I.R.M.:** Indicates a location in Birmingham, possibly the area or a reference to the place where the token was minted. "B.I.R.M." likely stands for Birmingham.
These types of tokens were not official government-issued currency but were used as a form of trade or exchange in local communities. They often served to address the shortage of official coinage or commemorate a specific event or business. The intricate inscriptions and designs on these tokens provide insights into the local economic activities and craftsmanship of the time.
For collectors and numismatists, tokens like the "Imitation Half Guinea Birmingham N6460 1790" hold historical and aesthetic value, offering a glimpse into the economic and social context of the period in which they were issued.
