British and World Coins

Germany, Hamburg, copper Bread Token, 1698, fortified city gate, rev. III in upper field, 44 stamped incuse below (cf. Maillet pl.45, 6). Good fine, scarce £40-60

The severe winter of 1697/8 was followed by a cold, dull wet summer resulting in crop failures across large parts of Europe. The effects of the consequent famine were felt from the Ukraine to Ireland