Hello bobbie7-ga

Here is a quest that may be harder than the search for the elusive lobster bottle.

I would like to see proof & an image (jpeg) confirming the reported
existance of a halfpence token from the Magdalen Islands (Iles de la
Madeleine).
Reference to these mysterious tokens is made at this
site:http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v09n24a16.html

This is the second time that I have heard of these "half pence" coins. A coin
collector (lobster fisherman by trade) on the islands was told this
summer that such a coin existed and was in the possesion of an unnamed
person in Alberta, Canada.

Can one be found?

Brudenell

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 26 Aug 2006 15:04 PDT

Hi Brudenell!

According to the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada it appears that
halfpennies were never produced.
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/bank/english/ejul80.htm


"The Magdalen Islands had only one coin - a 1 Penny token issued in
1815 by Sir Isaac Coffin."
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coins_of_the_Magdalen_Islands


You're right that this is going to be a very difficult search!

I suggest you close this question and post it again without my name in
the  subject line. That way all GA researchers can try to locate the
token and youŽll have a much better chance of getting an answer or at
least some good leads.

If I find any relevant information I will let you know.

Sincerely, 
Bobbie7

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Clarification of Question by brudenell-ga on 26 Aug 2006 15:16 PDT

Hello bobbie7

Thank you for the quick response.

Here is a reply to an email that I had sent to the individual enquiring in:

http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v09n24a16.html

"The Magdalen Island halfpence tokens are a genuine enigma.  They are
reported in at least two places... the first being an autobiography by Sir
Edward Thomason who claims to have struck the halfpence tokens as well as
the well-known and well-executed penny tokens... and the second being an
appearance in an auction sale conducted by William Harvey Strobridge in Dec.
1871.

I too have 'heard' of the coin's existence in modern times but believe it to
be an urban legend which I would dearly love to be true."

I will follow your recommendation to close & repost for all to tackle.
This type of question is a tough one... but a fun one to chase down.

Thank you very much for your interest.

Best regards

Brudenell