GALLEY HALFPENNY Meaning and
Definition
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Galley halfpenny refers to a historical coin that originated in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the late 17th century. As the name suggests, it was worth half of a penny, making it a small denomination coin used for everyday transactions. The term "galley" is derived from the image of a galley ship that was depicted on the obverse (front) side of the coin.
The galley halfpenny featured intricate designs on both sides. On the reverse (back) side, a thistle, which is a symbol of Scotland, was depicted. These coins were made predominantly from copper, giving them a reddish-brown appearance. They were relatively small in size, measuring approximately 20mm in diameter.
During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the galley halfpenny was widely circulated in Scotland, especially in Edinburgh and surrounding areas. It served as a means of exchange for small transactions, such as purchasing basic goods or services.
Due to their historical significance, galley halfpennies are now sought after by collectors of coins and numismatists. They provide insights into the economic and cultural landscape of Scotland during that period. While they may no longer hold any official monetary value, their numismatic worth continues to make them intriguing artifacts that shed light on Scotland's past.
Common Misspellings for GALLEY HALFPENNY
- falley halfpenny
- valley halfpenny
- balley halfpenny
- halley halfpenny
- yalley halfpenny
- talley halfpenny
- gzlley halfpenny
- gslley halfpenny
- gwlley halfpenny
- gqlley halfpenny
- gakley halfpenny
- gapley halfpenny
- gaoley halfpenny
- galkey halfpenny
- galpey halfpenny
- galoey halfpenny
- gallwy halfpenny
- gallsy halfpenny
- galldy halfpenny
- gallry halfpenny
Etymology of GALLEY HALFPENNY
There is no evidence to suggest that "galley halfpenny" has a specific etymology as a distinct phrase or term. It seems to be a combination of two separate words: "galley" and "halfpenny".
- "Galley" generally refers to a type of ship that was propelled by oars, commonly used in ancient and medieval times. It is derived from the Greek word "galea" meaning "a small ship". Over time, the term "galley" has come to represent not only the ship but also the kitchen or cooking area on a ship.
- "Halfpenny" refers to a copper coin that was worth half of a penny. It was commonly used as currency in various countries, particularly in the British Empire.
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