1823 Nova Scotia Halfpenny

Beautiful example, looks to be a strong VG+.

This series is identified by Charlton as NS-1A and lists sub-varieties 1-6. This series is found having a double hyphen betwixt NOVA and SCOTIA. A similar series, identified by Charlton as NS-1B1 and NS-1B2 lack the double hyphen. Dr. Courteau combines both groupings and identifies these as varieties 251-257 inclusive. Charlton does an excellent work by identifying each of Dr. Courteau's varieties by an independent specific identifier.

A quick diagnostic concerns the placement of the terminal of the Thistle stem in reference to the numeral 8.
The Thistle stem points directly to the centre of the numeral 8 on varieties 251, 253, and 256.
Whereas the Thistle stem is straight an almost touches the numeral 8 to the right on varieties 252, 254, 255, and 257. Of this grouping, varieties 254 and 255 have no hyphen.

Your token has a double hyphen and the Thistle stem nearly touches the numeral 8 to the right, thus either Courteau 252 or 257. Of these yours is Courteau variety 252, which is also identified by Charlton as NS-1A3.

"Obv. Laurel wreath has 14 leaves; the longest lock on foehead extends between the letters O and F.
Rev. Left leaf has 22 notches; the stem is straight and almost touches figure 8, to the right. R-1.'

F-12. Good honest wear.

doug