Irish Token 1672.mic Wilson
Super bit of Irish history the Mic Wilson Dublin token. The Butchers Halfpenny.
Why "Butchers' Halfpenny"?
Interestingly, Michael Wilson was accused of a massive 17th-century "scam." He was an official (contractor) for these tokens, but historical accounts suggest he privately counterfeited his own coins.
By producing thousands of "unofficial" versions of his own currency that were lighter or made of inferior brass, he avoided having to back them with real silver value. This supposedly cost the city of Dublin over £1,000—a fortune in 1672! Because they were so common and often circulated among meat-sellers and at markets, they earned their nickname.
This one weighs 3.9grams so it's probably the original legal one!
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