ATLANTIC

Coin from War of 1812 period ready to go on display in N.B.

THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Wednesday, January 9, 2013 11:24AM AST

The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812

Canadians commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 in June. The Conservative government put a new emphasis on Canada’s domestic military history with a major museum exhibit and a permanent monument. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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FREDERICTON -- A 200-year-old coin recently discovered in New Brunswick is ready for exhibition in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

A release from the provincial government says the coin may have belonged to a soldier during the War of 1812.

Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder says the coin has been conserved and helps reconstruct the historic period.

The artifact is a trading coin, which was typically issued to soldiers by private tradespeople when the government had limited means to produce conventional currency.

The face of the token depicts a ship in full sail with "For general accomodation (sic)" written around the edge, while the other side reads "Half Penny Token" in the centre and "Pure Copper Preferable to Paper" around the edge.

In February, the coin will be on display as part of the New Brunswick Museum's War of 1812 exhibit in Saint John.