Canada, 1820-30 AD., Prince Edward Island, Token, Breton 997.

Canada, Prince Edward Island, ca. 1820-30 AD.,
Token (26 mm / 5,08 g),
Obv.: 3 mast sailing ship to r., with British flag.
Rev.: SHIPS / COLONIES / & / COMMERCE , four lines text.
Breton 997 ; LEES 26 ; HW 13b .

During the 1810s-20s, there was a shortage of coins, so many private individuals and companies issued their own tokens, mostly of the halfpenny denomination. The legend reflects a remark made by Napoleon about the basis of the British empire’s strength. Different varieties (over 25) were struck by Halliday, Heaton, and others. The "Ships Colonies & Commerce" halfpenny token is probably by far one of the most common tokens of the era, likely issued into the mid 1830s. There are numerous types, some requireing a fair amount of time to identify. Common varities retail for $5-20, while some of the rare ones (a small handful) are valued into the hundreds, and thousands.
There is a variety that shows an American flag on the ship; it was struck by the New York mint of Wright & Bale.