Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Anglesey Pary's Mines 1790 Boulton Dumarest Pattern

Moneta — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:51:15 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Amlwch, Parys Mines Company; D&H 380, Boulton’s pattern halfpenny by Dumarest struck in copper, 13.07g. A highly collectible bronzed issue, with just a few struck. About uncirculated. An important issue with the title of being the first regular sized token, in collar, manufactured by steam press at Boulton’s Soho Mint. The edge is: PAYABLE IN ANGLESEY OR LONDON (with remainder engrailed). More to come on this important issue. Purchased from The Last Druid Auction (1/24) Lot #20 at ~$470.00

John Wilkinson Penny 1787 - The First

Moneta — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:52:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Warwickshire (Warks), Willey 1787. John Wilkinson, The "Iron Master" copper, 14.06g. This important issue is believed to be the first of the Wilkinson issues. The reverse features a man working at a drop hammer. The edge lettering is "WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY." The big distinction variety here is the window on the back wall, no other Wilkinson issue features this window. It’s assumed that these were actually made with the intent of being penny denominations but merchants, given the size of the tokens, refused to accept them. Notice there is no denomination on Wilkinson tokens, unlike the Anglesey pennies and halfpennies issued in the same year. Also, this appears to be the only Iron Master token that doesn't have rim denticles. This example has some scattered handling, Scarce. The following from Jon Lusk's book "British and Irish Tradesmen and Their Copper Tokens 1787 - 1805": John Wilkinson (1728-1808) was truly an iron master. He was also heavily involved financially, in the copper industry. (Adding copper to cast iron increases its strength and corrosion resistive properties.) He held shares in Cornish copper mines such as United Mines, North Downs, Consolidated Mines, Poldice, Scorrier, Wheal Bussy, Tresaven, and Chasewater. He held patents for a number of processes, one being the boring of iron cannons. In 1787 he launched the first iron barge, mocked by the locals until it actually floated. (ed. as the ancient prognostication states "Iron in the water shall float As easy as a wooden boat.") See the other reverse types that depict an sailing river barge or a figure of Vulcan hammering at an anvil. Die sinker and manufacturer is John Hancock.

UK - Warwickshire, Moneta and Minting Press

Moneta — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:46:42 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: An iconic product of the era of Conder tokens, this is a product of the most prolific provincial token maker, Lutwyche of Birmingham. This may have been under commission of Kempson, but it appears to benefit Lutwyche exclusively, more research required. Obverse depicts Moneta seated holding balance scales in one hand and supporting a cornucopia spilling out coins, in exergue is "DEA PECUNIA" or goddess of money (Moneta). Additionally there's an oak sapling and a shop placard resting against a column with the words " ENGRAVING & DIE SINKING." Legend is "MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS." Reverse shows a manual screw coining press with 'boy pit' below and several dies with "BIRMINGHAM" in exergue, legend is " LUTWYCHES MANUFACTORY." As a DH# 219b this variety has a plain edge and was struck in collar. This token is said to be designed by Noel-Alexandre Ponthon and made by William Lutwyche, confirmation required. William Lutwyche, (1754-1801), toymaker, later token manufacturer, Temple Row and St Philip churchyard. Lutwyche was active in the production of tokens from 1791 until 1801 and seems to have had more individual commissions for tokens than any other manufacturer. His output of more than 65 tons of "legitimate provincial coins" was exceeded only by that of Thomas Williams, the consortium of Westwood and Hancock, and that of Matthew Boulton. He frequently combined dies, then in his possession, to produce various mules, concocted numerous specious issues, and has been attributed with manufacturing the bulk of evasions and lightweight coppers that appeared toward the end of the 18th century. [Numista.com]

UK - John Wilkinson and Barge 1788

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:45:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: IOHN WILKINSON IRON MASTER · ; two masted Barge, 1788 from Warwickshire (as in D&H, but should be Shropshire). Soho Mint, Handsworth, England (1788-1850) VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's and excellent article by on the official tokens of John Wilkinson and the varieties. It was published in the "Journal" pages of the Conder Token Collectors Club (CTCC # 69, Summer 2015), see it at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/J%20Wilkinson%20Varieties.pdf

UK - China British Trade Dollar 1899

Moneta — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:29:12 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A common British Trade Dollar of 1899 but in nice shape. Reverse: Chinese characters and Jawi script in ornamental flower. Lettering: 壹 ساتو رڠڬية‎ 圓 Translation: Chinese: One Dollar Jawi: One Ringgit

Jersey - German Occupied Theater Token Fantasy

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:23:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Similar to the triangular and round 5 Reichsmark tokens from German Occupied Channel Island, Jersey, I believe these have been identified as fantasy tokens. Jersey, I believe, was the only British occupied territory during World War 2. They were struck after the war. 卐 DAS FORUM KINO 卐 THE FORUM THEATER HEER ..................... AUSWEIS ..................... 1941 Translated: The Forum Cinema Army ID 1941 The Forum Cinema was located in the capitol town, St. Helier, and was the largest cinema to operate in the Channel Islands. It opened on 25th March 1935 and was independently operated.

UK - St. Helena, British East India Co, 1821 Half Penny

Moneta — Sun, 30 May 2021 22:19:01 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: The obverse features the blazon of the British East India Company with the abreviated motto "AUSP: REGIS & SENAT ANGLIÆ" which stands for "AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIÆ." This was the motto of the Company since 1698 and it means "By right of the King and Senate of England." The half penny is made of copper, it's 29mm x 2 mm, 9.4 g. with a plain edge and coin alignment. The following, by David Vice who wrote "The Coinage of British West Africa & St Helena 1684-1958" will tell the rest of the story. In 1815 the St. Helena economy was bolstered by the arrival of the exiled Napoleon. The Emperor's entourage and the guarding force of British troops suddenly doubled the island's population bringing great prosperity. In order to sustain this growth the Company sent out £50,000 in dollars in 1819. St. Helena was at the peak of its prosperity. Two years later, in 1821, wheels were set in motion for the supply of two copper coinages specifically struck for use on the island. The first issue was of an unofficial nature and originated from a local firm of merchants called Solomon, Dickson and Taylor. Instructions were sent to England for the manufacture of 70,560 halfpenny tokens. Responsibility for the second issue belonged to the Court of Directors of the Honourable East India Company based in England. They requested the Mint of Matthew Robinson Boulton, at Soho near Birmingham, to strike a copper coinage to the total value of £1,000. For this sum the Company received 702,704 halfpenny pieces. Before either of the new copper coinages arrived in St. Helena, Napoleon died on 5th May 1821. Soon after, most of the troops, high military officers, civil servants and their families had left the island. Consequently the demand for the halfpenny pieces never reached the level originally conceived. In 1830 a large surplus stock of the East India Company copper coins in an unissued state was returned to England for melting. It would be easy to conclude from this event that the coinage was a failure. Far from it, the halfpennies remained in circulation on the island and proved an acceptable payment to all parties. These characteristics must have appeared very attractive to a Company which was still encountering difficulties in maintaining a regular supply of silver coin on St. Helena. In 1815 the St. Helena economy was bolstered by the arrival of the exiled Napoleon. The Emperor's entourage and the guarding force of British troops suddenly doubled the island's population bringing great prosperity. In order to sustain this growth the Company sent out £50,000 in dollars in 1819. St. Helena was at the peak of its prosperity. Two years later, in 1821, wheels were set in motion for the supply of two copper coinages specifically struck for use on the island. The first issue was of an unofficial nature and originated from a local firm of merchants called Solomon, Dickson and Taylor. Instructions were sent to England for the manufacture of 70,560 halfpenny tokens. Responsibility for the second issue belonged to the Court of Directors of the Honourable East India Company based in England. They requested the Mint of Matthew Robinson Boulton, at Soho near Birmingham, to strike a copper coinage to the total value of £1,000. For this sum the Company received 702,704 halfpenny pieces. Before either of the new copper coinages arrived in St. Helena, Napoleon died on 5th May 1821. Soon after, most of the troops, high military officers, civil servants and their families had left the island. Consequently the demand for the halfpenny pieces never reached the level originally conceived. In 1830 a large surplus stock of the East India Company copper coins in an unissued state was returned to England for melting. It would be easy to conclude from this event that the coinage was a failure. Far from it, the halfpennies remained in circulation on the island and proved an acceptable payment to all parties. These characteristics must have appeared very attractive to a Company which was still encountering difficulties in maintaining a regular supply of silver coin on St. Helena. David Vice. "The Coinage of British West Africa & St Helena 1684-1958" [Numista.com]

Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette - Guillotine

Moneta — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:22:53 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Skidmore & Son, Copper Halfpenny, c 1795 (D&H Middlesex 513, Rarity RR!) Obv: Busts of the King and Queen of France dividing the date 17 - 95. Around the perimeter LOUIS XVI ET M. ANTOINETTE ROI ET REINE DE FRANCE; Rev: A guillotine with a house in the background. HALFPENNY above; Edge: Milled, diagonal (Atkins p. 113, 393). Well struck, attractive and scarce. Middlesex D&H 855 shares this reverse of the invention of Dr. Guillotine with an issue by Thomas Spence's JAILED Self portrait. Skidmore & Son, Founded by John Skidmore (1748-1823) and later joined by his second son, Paul (b. 1775) in 1795 or 1796. They carried on an iron-foundry and held the appointment of stovegrate maker to His Majesty's Board of Ordnance. After becoming Skidmore & Son they produced numerous tokens, ultimately responsible for more than a quarter of all the token varieties produced in the late 18th century, including most of those issued by Matthew Denton, Thomas Prattent, and Thomas Spence. Note: So far I have not found a source that attributes this token specifically to Skidmore. Currently, I assume this association is made by the fact that Thomas Spence definitely designed the guillotine reverse used on his "Jailed" self portrait tokens ( Middlesex D&H 855).

UK - George III & Queen Charlotte w/ Moneta

Moneta — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 23:21:02 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Lutwyche’s Birmingham (Warwickshire) copper Conder halfpenny token undated. Obverse: A figure of Justice seated, holding a pair of scales and a cornucopia with coins spilling out with legend: “MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS” and “DEA PECUNIA” in exergue with “ENGRAVING AND DIE SINKING” on shield. Reverse: Conjoined busts of George III and Queen Charlotte to left with legend: “LONG MAY THEY REIGN OVER A GRATEFULL PEOPLE”. Plain edge. Issued by Lutwyche, manufacturer of tokens and medals. Nice collectable condition for type, see photograph. D&H Warwickshire No: 220. Diameter 28.3 mm.

UK- John Wilkinson, Medals & Provincial Coins , MONETA

Moneta — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:41:27 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: John Wilkinson Iron Master (copper too!), Warwickshire, Birmingham variety of 1790's (ND) plain edge. Obverse as D&H 439 (no period after 'R'). Reverse features a seated MONETA holding her double-pan balance scales and bracing a cornucopia that is spilling her product - COINS. Behind, to her left, a shield leans against a pedestal with the words "ENGRAVING / & DIE / SINKING. Legend: MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS *; w/ DEA PECUNIA in exergue. Many references indicate the reverse seated figure is 'Justice,' because of the balance scale. However, the DEA PECUNIA and the cornucopia full of coins clearly means the figure is of MONETA, Roman goddess of coinage and the mint, etc. This particular die is also seen as the obverse of a token by Lutwyche featuring the reverse figures of the conjoined busts of George III and Queen Charlotte, and one showing a coinage screw press. Doing further research; an article entitled "The Trade Tokens of John Wilkinson" (reprint in The "Conder"Tokens Collector Journal, Vol V, Issue 18, 2000) this is considered a Wilkinson counterfeit, and it seems clear that it was manufactured by the engraver and die sinker himself, Lutwyche.

Bank of England Token 1813 1/6d

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:23:21 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: The Bank of England issued silver tokens from 1811 to 1816 in various denominations. This 1 shilling 6 pence token was issued in 1813.

Great Britain 1892 5/-

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:08:08 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This is a one crown coin minted in 1892. It has the jubilee head of Queen Victoria. Victoria was one of the longest reigning British monarchs having reigned from 1837 to 1901.

Great Britain 1887 4/-

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:52:32 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This is a British double florin. They were only minted from 1887 to 1890. This has the Roman numeral I vice the Arabic numeral 1. This type coin has the coroneted head of Queen Victoria. All dates have rather low mintages.

Great Britain 1871 2/-

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:39:05 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This is a British florin minted in 1871. This type had the date in Roman numerals mdccclxxi.

Great Britain 1836 2/6

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:22:40 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This is a half crown coin minted during the reign of William IV in 1836,

Great Britain 1819/8 1/

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:06:31 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This one shilling coin was minted in 1819. It is the overdate variety of 1819 over 1818.

Great Britain 1746 LIMA 6d

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:38 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: the 6 pence coin was minted in 1746 from silver captured from the Spanish by Captain Anson at the small port city of Paita, Peru in November 1741. The coin has LIMA below the truncheon of the bust.

Great Britain 1689 2/6

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:43:59 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This half crown was minted in 1689 under the reign of William and Mary.

Great Britain c1642 2/6 EBOR

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:31:12 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This half crown was minted around 1642 in York (mintmark EBOR).

Great Britain 1642 2/6

numismatist6 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:19:06 -0400

by: numismatist6

Description: This half crown was minted in the Tower Mint in London in 1642. It has the tun mintmark indicating its origin.

Great Britain - Victoria Jubilee 1887 Shilling

Moneta — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 16:47:00 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Basically a two year type that shares 1887 mintage figures with a Victoria Young Head type Shilling - curious. This Jubilee issue celebrates 50 Years of Her Reign. She was coronated 20 June 1837 and was Queen of England until 22 Jan 1901. In 1887, the British Empire celebrated Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Victoria marked the fiftieth anniversary of her accession on 20 June with a banquet to which 50 kings and princes were invited. The following day, she participated in a procession and attended a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey. [Wikipedia]

U.K. & U.S.A - Kentucky Half Penny 1796

Moneta — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 23:58:50 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Kentucky Settlement, Philip Myddelton, Halfpenny, 1796, in bronzed-copper, standing figure of Liberty welcoming standing figure of Hope with infant genii, anchor and cornucopia in background, rev. Britannia seated left in forlorn pose, regarding a cap of Liberty on the ground, edge plain, 11.12g/6h (Whitman 8900; Breen 1074; cf. DNW 142, 2207). Tiny verdigris spots on obverse at 10 o’clock and by Liberty cap, otherwise extremely fine (looks AU+ to me) with dusky old patina, extremely rare (est. value: £5,000-8,000. Provenance: From a Distinguished UK private collection. Sold by & text w/photo; with permission from Dix Noonan Webb 'DNW Auction', Sep 2018. Philip Parry Price, later Myddelton, “a thin man, about 5 feet 10 inches high, with high cheek bones, of rather genteel appearance, has a little of the Yankee dialect” was an English entrepreneur and merchant living in Bloomsbury square, London, at the beginning of 1796. He had returned to England from Philadelphia, where he is recorded as being in practice as a medical doctor in 1794, the previous autumn following the death of a relative, adding the name Myddelton at that time. Over the winter of 1795-6 he advertised in the Reading Mercury, Staffordshire Advertiser, Derby Mercury and many other provincial English newspapers, claiming to own large tracts of land in Northern Kentucky bordering the Ohio river and promising a new life for settlers and artisans to emigrate thither. To give credence to his plan he instructed Matthew Boulton, with whom he had engaged in correspondence over the previous month, on 24 January 1796, to strike a coinage for him which included the legends "British Settlement Kentucky and Payable by P.P.P. Myddelton." Dies were executed (almost certainly by C.H. Küchler) and the first silver pieces, thought to total 53 specimens, delivered to Myddelton on 8 March 1796. He returned most of them as it would appear that Boulton misinterpreted his order, the demand being for a ton of copper which Myddelton wanted to take with him to America. Boulton struck a few bronzed-copper pieces, said to total 11 specimens in all, but Myddelton’s scheme had been attracting attention from the authorities who, on 4 March 1796 and only days before he was due to set sail to Nantucket, saw fit to indict him with trying to entice talented English artisans to emigrate to the United States, violating a 1783 statute prohibiting such acts. Temporarily obtaining bail, Myddelton was back in Newgate prison by 6 April, pending trial, at which he was defended by Thomas Erskine, the attorney commemorated on a number of tokens and medals. (See this Museum) Pleading not guilty, Myddelton was convicted on 9 June and sentenced by the Chief Justice, Sir James Mansfield, to a year in prison, at the end of which he was to pay a £500 fine. An appeal to Rufus King, the American Minister at the Court of St James, came to nothing; declared bankrupt in January 1797 and unable to pay the fine, Myddelton was kept in prison until November 1799 when the fine was paid. Subsequently styled as a doctor, Myddelton was appointed the principal medical superintendent at the Hanover Park mental asylum in Carlow. He took a lease on Carlow Castle from Hans Hamilton, MP for Dublin, but in modifying parts of the original Norman edifice by dynamiting part of the structure Myddelton only succeeded in destroying over half the building in 1814. In later life he is recorded as living in Bath in 1827.

UK Trial Strike - BRITANNIA MONETA

Moneta — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 19:48:33 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: I've seen these as medals and die trials in nickel, (and/or copper-nickel), and this best example in bronze, dated 1957. I get BRITANNIA MONETA but I'm not so sure of the Star of David reverse. Another example was supposedly nickel with blank reverse. This is not in the Moneta Museum, cobbed from eBay from an UK seller that wanted $85, not bad, but wanted another $37 for shipping - deal breaker. A very handsome obverse and much better than the Moneta they eventually struck.

Great Britain Half Penny 1799 Gilt Pattern

Moneta — Fri, 25 May 2018 19:00:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: After the debacle of the magnificent copper Two Pence & Penny Cartwheels the Matthew Boulton SOHO mint in Birmingham presented a new design for 1799. The Half Penny version of this design was issued for circulation in 1799 but the Penny was not dated for issue until 1806. This impaired proof example is a special strike in copper that was gilded at the Soho mint as many many product of the Boulton mint were, several examples are found here in the Museum. The edge has an oblique reeding that does not reach the edge of the coin. There is some environmental damage that I hope can be somewhat cured by the NGC Conservation services. At that point the coin will be re-imaged here. In hand the coin is much better than the photo, Very Scarce. The sub type here is the scarcest one (KM) that features a 'Raised Line' across the hull. This is a first year & single year issue for the half penny.

UK - Falkland Islands Crown 2017

Moneta — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:53:21 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: There was a little controversy with the issue of this NCLT Crown issued under the auspices of the Falkland Islands. Apparently, the use of the word "Britannia" is Trademarked by the British Royal Mint who took the Pobjoy Mint to court. Pobjoy was forced to change the design, dropping the "Britannia Rules the Waves" legend. The mintage plan was for 50k to be struck. Only 7,329 were minted/released before the forced change with very few being returned by dealers. Figures at the time of ANA's Nov '17 publication of the News Article put the number of graded/slabbed PR70's at only 67 and PR69's at 890. The coin here is one of those PR69's, although I cannot see a single issue on this coin that would mark it down. You can read the full "Numismatics" article at this: http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=447016&ver=html5&p=84

UK - Queen Elizabeth I - 1794

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:25:13 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: A decent coin issued by Queen Elizabeth I, usually in profile, is difficult to afford, especially if you are not a UK specialist collector. SO...filling in nicely a Conder will have to do. The most common is this one from Sussex - Chichester. The reverse has a depiction of Chichester Cross, a late medieval market square at the confluence of roads into Chichester. The structure was provided as a market hub for local producers in the center of town. A plaque states the structure was commissioned by Edward Story, Bishop of Chichester, and built from 1477 to 1503. Famous people and famous architecture, another hallmark of the fascinating field of Conder collectables. Edge legend: "Payable at Dally's Chichester." For the full story on Market Crosses (4 types in DH) see The Conder Token Collectors Club Journal # 39 (Spring 2006) at Newmans Numismatic Portal.

UK - Isaac Newton 1793

Moneta — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:11:07 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Another themed area of UK 18th C. (Conder) Tokens to collect are those depicting a famous character from history. Naturally, this often can overlap other themes. This half penny comes from Middlesex and features the famous scientist and alchemist Sir Isaac Newton. The reverse shows a winged caduceus (symbolizing a herald or physician), a cornucopia, olive branches and the date - 1793.

UK - Wilkinson Iron Master 1793

Moneta — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 19:44:50 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Wilkinson "The Iron Master" was also very prominent in Copper. John Boulton had dealings with him and inspired him to get into the business of private copper tokens while he was waiting for his government coining contract. There are three major reverse types for John Wilkinson; the Barge, Forge, and Vulcan. This is the Forge type with the huge stamping machine and brick forge, here all nicely detailed. You can see a Vulcan type in the Museum also. A series of counterfeits were issued dated 1792. The first authentic Wilkinson issues are dated 1787 - the very beginning of late 18th Century token issues. The issues of 1793, like this one here, misspell the name of the Iron Master as Wilkenson (with an 'e' rather than an "i"). Another misspelling on other evasion counterfeits is 'Wilkison'. All issues with Wilkinson spelled wrong, or with reverses other than a Barge, Forge, or Vulcan are contemporary counterfeits. Also note the spelling of 'John' using an 'I' rather than 'J' is because the areas where these were designed to be used were still using Celtic conventions that largely did not use the letter 'J'. Tokens other than with the words "WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY" on the edge are counterfeit. In some cases these counterfeits were used by other payees (companies) because of their prolific issue and acceptability. Those with unique reverses were probably issued in small quantities for the collector market. It is said that there are 75 varieties that are genuine and 57 varieties that are forgeries. The relative issue quantities of those groups are unknown. Without doing a scientific survey, my anecdotal guess, for example, is that most found on eBay are counterfeit. Sellers rarely include the edge lettering in their descriptions. Never-the-less, counterfeits are collectible, but should have a considerable mark-down, and it's always better to know what you are buying.

UK - St. Paul's & Spittle

Moneta — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 19:27:48 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a bad example, having been cleaned and all. I wanted a I. Spittle (warehouse) piece because of my interest in the series of tokens issued for the British outpost of Gibraltar. Dalton and Hamer (D&H) state that James Spittle declared bankruptcy in London in 1797 [cheesemonger]. I'm speculating that he or his son may have moved the restored business to Gibraltar where great opportunities existed serving the maritime trade. Other clues include the dolphin theme and the mention of Brighton in connection with his "payable" partners. John Kirby a shopkeeper in Brighton - declared bankrupt in 1796. See Gibraltar http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1782&nocache=1 for the possible 1820 connection.

UK - William Pitt - 1794

Moneta — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 20:42:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: The obverse shows William Pitt with legend around. THE. R. HON. W. PITT. LORD WARDEN CINQUE PORTS. This was a title bestowed on Pitt by the Crown. The ports were a series of coastal towns in Kent and Sussex at the east end of the English channel and important for coastal defense. Pitt an American hero and an advocate for the Colonies is honored on this token. He opposed the 'Stamp Act' the Crown imposed on the American Colonies and which was a major factor in the American Revolution. Edge: 'Payable At Lancaster London or Bristol.' The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is a ceremonial official in the United Kingdom. The post dates from at least the 12th century but may be older. The Lord Warden was originally in charge of the Cinque Ports, a group of five (cinque in Norman French) port towns on the southeast coast of England. Today the role is a sinecure and an honorary title, and 14 towns belong to the Cinque Ports confederation. The title is one of the higher honours bestowed by the Sovereign; it has often been held by members of the Royal Family or Prime Ministers, especially those who have been influential in defending Britain at times of war. The Lord Warden was solely responsible for the return of all writs to the Crown, along with the collection of taxes and the arrest of criminals. His court was held in St James's church, near Dover Castle, and there he exercised jurisdiction broadly equivalent to that of Chancery. He also had a "lieutenant's powers of muster", and the Constableship of Dover Castle, later added to the Warden's office, enabled him to keep a garrison and administrative staff, including the Clerk and the Lieutenant of the Castle. The coat of arms of the Cinque Ports first appeared in 1305, second amongst the earliest English known heraldic emblems, predating even the coat of arms of the City of London. The coat of arms of the Cinque Ports displays three ships' hulls and three lions passant guardant conjoined to these hulls, all in gold.

UK - Coalbrook Dale Iron Bridge

Moneta — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 17:51:40 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: First Iron Bridge and Inclined Plane, (Shropshire). The 100 Ft. span bridge was built in 1779 and the nearby inclined plane allowed for easy placement into the river of barges full of ore from the local mines. The bridge is still in existence! (see Wikipedia) OB: "IRON BRIDGE AT COALBROOK DALE. 1792"; Rx: "INCLINED PLANE AT KETLEY 1789"; edge: "PAYABLE AT COALBROOK-DALE AND KETLEY"; Scarce variety. This from 'ABC Coins and Tokens', UK: Scarce Coalbrook Dale (Shropshire) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1792. Obverse: Detailed view of the bridge with a sailing ship passing underneath: "IRON BRIDGE AT COALBROOK DALE. 1792", "ERECTED ANNO 1779. SPAN 100 FEET". Reverse: A man working at a barge-lifting machine: "INCLINED PLANE AT KETLEY. 1789". Edge inscription: "PAYABLE AT COALBROOK-DALE AND KETLEY". Listed in Dalton & Hamer as "SCARCE". Issued by Reynolds & Co., trading as the Coalbrook-Dale Iron Company with establishments at Coalbrook-Dale and Ketley. This company cast the 278 tons of iron used in the construction of the bridge. Also, Reynolds invented the inclined plane on the reverse which was used to haul barges 60 feet up to the next level of canal at Ketley where locks were not feasible. The inclined plane is where barges were dragged up the hill on rails, powered by the barge-lifting gear situated at the top of the slope, as indicated on the token. John Wilkinson, "The Iron Master," was instrumental in having this iron bridge built. Recently 1.25 million British pounds were invested to restore this historic bridge. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a great article on the first Iron Bridge and it's relation to the Industrial Age and token coinage, available in the Moneta Library at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Iron_Bridge_CTCJ10.pdf

UK - J.H. Tooke Esq.

Moneta — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:37:17 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Another halfpenny token in the 'Political & Social' series of Middlesex involving Erskine, Gibbs, and Tooke. At the general election of 1790, Horne Tooke came forward as a candidate for that distinguished constituency (PM for Westminster), in opposition to Fox and Lord Hood, but was defeated; and, at a second attempt in 1796, he was again at the bottom of the poll. In the meantime, the excesses of the French republicans had provoked reaction in England, and the Tory ministry adopted a policy of repression. He was arrested early on the morning of 16 May 1794, and conveyed to the Tower of London. His trial for high treason lasted for six days (17 to 22 November) and ended in his acquittal, the jury taking only eight minutes to settle their verdict

UK - Erskine, Friend of Freedom

Moneta — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:09:18 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Thomas Erskine - A Friend To Freedom & Rights of Man. A Middlesex issue in the 'Political & Social' series of halfpennies. He frequently worked with barrister Thomas Gibbs to represent those accused to treason in the struggle to reform parliament. See the token featuring them both here in the Museum. Sharp gives the die-sinker as Wyon, so without doubt Kempson was the manufacturer. Thomas Paine’s “ Rights of Man” was published in 1791. At his trial he was defended by Thomas Erskine. A verdict of Guilty was returned, but Paine had left England, having been elected the Deputy for Calais, in the French Convention so the Government could not execute its sentence upon him, which would doubtless have been death.

UK - Carmarthen Iron Works

Moneta — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:41:19 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Said by some (i.e. R. Doty "The Soho Mint & the Industrialization of Money") to be one of the most impressive and detailed of the 18th C. token coins of Great Britain. This is a coin commissioned by John Morgan for his Iron Works in South Wales, Carmarthen. A token by John Gregory Hancock. You can almost feel the heat coming from the forge! Another interesting feature of this token are the Welch location names appearing on the reverse. Be sure to view 'Iron Bridge' token from Coalbrookdale, coming soon. The iron for this 'first iron bridge' no doubt came from the Carmarthen Iron Works and both are a testament to the Industrial Revolution. OB: "CAERMARTHEN IRON WORKS"; Ex: "HALFPENNY" - featuring a very detail view of the iron works with 3 workmen. RX: KIDWELLY WHITLAND BLACKPOOL AND CWMDWYERON FORGES'; Ex: I . MORGAN. ; edge: PAYABLE IN LONDON BRISTOL & CARMARTHEN .X.

UK - T. Hardy & Erskine Gibbs Trial

Moneta — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 17:44:53 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the political series of 18th C; Middlesex. Tokens celebrating some of the main players that were lawyers (Barristers, ESQ.) famous for their defense of those arrested for treason while advocating for the Rights of Man and Parliamentary reform. The 'Y' of BY is under the 'AC' of Acquitted. More accurate detail to follow...

UK - East India House 1793

Moneta — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 17:29:55 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Half penny of Lancashire / Manchester showing the East India House on the obverse and the Grocers's Arms on the reverse. Edge lettering: PAYABLE AT I. FIELDINGS – MANCHESTER O D&H127 may be 1792 only, on a re-look I see it's 1793 here, D&H confusion with Yorkshire 14.

Doublestruck British Trade Dollar - 1912

TheElder — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 18:23:53 -0500

by: TheElder

Description: Doublestruck British Trade Dollar - 1912

Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette - Murdered 1793

Moneta — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 15:49:16 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This token half penny is part of the Political & Social series of tokens struck in the late 18th C. Most were tradesman tokens but the interesting ones involved commentary on the feared French Revolution or internal political struggles in Britain. Like the token "Map of France', this one addresses the chaos in France that lead to the beheading of King Louis XVI and his Austrian wife Marie Antoinette. Obverse: conjoined busts with legend: 'LOUIS . XVI ET M. ANTOINETTE. ROI ET REINE DE FRANCE.' Reverse legend: 'MURD. BY | THE FACTIOUS. | LOUIS XVI. JAN. 21 | M. ANTOINETTE | OCT. 16. | 1793.' Here the 'S' in factious is barely visible in hand but not seen in this photo at all. This is the plain edge variety. Skidmore & Son, Founded by John Skidmore (1748-1823) and later joined by his second son, Paul (b. 1775) in 1795 or 1796. They carried on an iron-foundry and held the appointment of stovegrate maker to His Majesty's Board of Ordnance. After becoming Skidmore & Son they produced numerous tokens, ultimately responsible for more than a quarter of all the token varieties produced in the late 18th century, including most of those issued by Matthew Denton, Thomas Prattent, and Thomas Spence.

UK - Magna Charta - Trial by Jury

Moneta — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:30:23 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This half-penny sized political token of Middlesex celebrates the series of trials by jury that occurred to defend accusations against a series of individuals accused of sedition and other crimes against the state. Erskine and Gibbs were prominent barristers [lawyers] who successfully defended the revolutionary men mentioned on the back of this token. Earlier, Erskine represented Thomas Paine in absentia but failed to convince the jury of his innoscents. Obverse: Two barristers holding an scroll inscribed BILL OF RIGHTS the figure on the left has his right arm raised and pointing to a label above their heads inscribed: MAGNA CHARTA Legend: ERSKINE AND GIBBS AND TRIAL BY JURY Reverse: An inscription in nine lines: T. HARDY LH. TOOKE.T. HOLCROFT. LA.BONNEY.J.JOYCE. S.KID.J.THELWALL. L RICHTER. L BAXTER. 1794 Edge: Engrailed. Diesinker, Wyon; manufacturer, Peter Kempson, (1755-1824), buttonmaker, later token manufacturer, St. Mary's Row, Birmingham, later Little Charles Street. Kempson was actively involved in the production of tokens from 1791 until 1799, turning out more than 60 tons of "legitimate provincial coins" for various commissions. Kempson also freely muled dies in his posession, and produced a variety of tokens for sale to collectors. This piece honours the defending barristers in the trials of Hardy. Tooke and others on a charge of sedition. Erskine defended his clients in the State trials of 1794 with an enthusiasm that seemed insensible to fatigue; nothing was omitted to elucidate the innocence of the accused, nothing overlooked by him that weakened the case presented by the crown. Many considered this trial the pinnacle of his professional skill in a long and honourable career. The course of the trial was followed by the public with intense interest and not a little anxiety in the outcome and how it would affect the liberty of ordinary individuals. The reverse records the names of the accused and the year of the trial. MIDDLESEX - D&H # 1011 - AU

Corresponding Society 1795

Moneta — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 17:38:02 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Ireland - Middlesex Half Penny of 1795. London Corresponding Society. Obverse shows a group of Society members standing over a fasces on the ground. This pertains to the Aesop Fable 'The Old Man and His Sons' or 'The Story of the Bundle of Sticks' (facses), illustrating the power of unity. Thomas Hardy was the Secretary to this Society. These are Skidmore made tokens. It is probable that these were never struck by the Society’s order, but were made for sale. Reverse: "United For A Reform Of Parliament." Edge: "payable At Dublin, Cork Or Belfast .XX. The London Corresponding Society was a Radical organization based in London, England, with a membership consisting primarily of artisans, tradesmen, and shopkeepers. At its peak, the society boasted roughly 3,000 dues-paying members who shared the goal of reforming the British political system. Formed in 1792 by Thomas Hardy, the society's key mission was to ensure universal suffrage (voting rights for all men) for British men and annual parliaments. Due to the perceived French revolutionary influence on the society and its calls for a relatively radical reformation, promising widespread upheaval, the government of William Pitt the Younger bitterly opposed it, accusing it on two occasions of plotting to assassinate the King, and putting its key leaders on trial in 1794 for treason. However, due to the transparent falsity of the government’s claims, those leaders, including Hardy, John Thelwall, and John Horne Tooke, were all acquitted. After exerting "undue influence" on the European political climate in the last decade of the 18th century, the LCS and other organizations like it were outlawed by a 1799 Parliamentary Act, and efforts to maintain an underground organization were stymied by their outlaw status and financial troubles and mismanagement. (Wikipedia) The London Corresponding Society was founded on 25 January 1792 by John Frost (1750–1842), an attorney, and Thomas Hardy, a shoemaker. The principle aim of the Society was parliamentary reform, especially the expansion of the representation of working class people. As the Society expanded, the government took notice and it became deeply infiltrated by spies. In May 1794 the government took more action; some of the leaders were arrested and Hardy, John Thelwall and John Horne Tooke were tried for treason in October, but were acquitted. The government responded with the so-called Two Acts – an extension of the treason laws with the Treasonable Practices Act and also the repressive Seditious Meetings Act in 1795. More arrests followed and, in 1799, the Society itself was declared illegal under the Corresponding Societies Act, effectively ending the LCS.

Earl Howe & The Glorious 1st of June

Moneta — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 17:38:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: It's hard to over emphasize the importance of the Howe brothers to the history of the American Revolution and to that of French Revolution. Depicted here is Earl Richard Howe (aka "Black Dick"), First Lord Admiral, and instrumental in British naval action against America. His brother, William Howe, was a general and responsible for the occupation of New York. The Glorious First of June naval engagement (1794) pitted the Channel Fleet against French forces. While the British considered this a victory with thousands of French sailors captured or killed, the French also considered it victory because the cargo of much needed victuals reached French port unharmed. Hampshire Emsworth DH-16. OB: Admiral Earl Howe "Earl Howe & the Glorious First of June." Rx: Three masted ship (HMS Queen Charlotte, 100 gun, 1790-1800), "Pro Bono Publico". Dalton & Hamer list this type as RARE! Edge: "Current Every Where" For great history of the battle and Earl Howe see these links: http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/navalbattles16001800/p/glorious-first-of-june.htm http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/naval/p/Royal-Navy-Admiral-Richard-Howe-1st-Earl-Howe.htm Here is the amazing story of the Siege of Gibraltar and some of the tokens involved: https://archive.org/details/CTCJournal12/page/18/mode/2up

Greenwich Y2K Millennium Medal

Moneta — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 17:53:55 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Large brass like metal celebrating Year 2000 and the official point, at ZERO hour, of the international time line, GMT or Greenwich Mean Time. One side features the clock face of Big Ben in London, the other a circular calendar that also shows symbols of the zodiac and the legend "OFFICIAL MILLENNIUM GREENWICH MINT MEDALLION 2000."

THE END OF PAIN

Moneta — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 20:59:52 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: One could write a whole volume on the political tokens of Great Britain, just after the American Revolution and during the French Revolution. I have several presented here that are related, for example see "Pigs Meat", where the name of Thomas Paine is also mentioned. Here Mr. Paine is alluded to as PAIN, hanging from gibbet. In the background stands a church with British flag waving. Compare this to "Pigs Meat" where the pig tramples symbols of the church and state. Clearly the periods' historic battle between loyal Royalists and revolutionaries presented in metal token coinage. Middlesex, Spence's DH 833a (struck on small planchet) The inscription the END OF PAIN is a pun on Thomas Paine’s name. He was a radical who was hated by most Englishmen of the 1790’s. The obverse portrayal of Paine’s end would be welcome by all loyal subjects. The reverse inscription is derived from Paine’s book entitled The Rights of Man, which was published in 1791. January 21, 1793, on the right page of the book, is the date that King Louis XVI of France was executed. The implication is that Paine’s ideas contributed to Louis’ death and would do the same for the English king. While listed under Spence’s works by Dalton and Hamer, it is clear that Thomas Spence was a revolutionary and would not have created this token. The royalist sentiment suggested by this token clearly indicates that Spence was not responsible for its design. It is much more likely to have been made by loyalists who wanted to capitalize on anti-radical fervor in those times. There were riots in 1791 in Birmingham and anti-Paine tokens were produced as a result. Researchers believe that Peter Skidmore was responsible for the piece despite its earlier attribution to Spence. Since Thomas Paine lived in the USA, where his book "Common Sense" contributed to the growing movement for independence from England, he was venerated here and well as in France where he defended the French Revolution against Burke and helped the French cause as well. Conder tokens, also known as 18th Century Provincial Tokens are a form of privately minted token coinage struck and used during the latter part of the 18th Century and the early part of the 19th Century in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. They were made because of the need for small denomination coinage for everyday transactions. Because the government did little to relieve the coinage shortage, private businesses and merchants issued tokens beginning in 1787 to pay workers at the Parys Mine Company. Within a few years, millions of tokens were struck and were in common use throughout Great Britain. Comprised mostly of cent and half cent denominations, the Conders had a few thousand varying designs. Collecting tokens became a national pastime. They were originally indexed by James Conder and later by Dalton and Hamer in their book, The Provincial Token Coinage of the 18th Century. This it a plain edge variety. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a fine article on Thomas Paine (or Pain?) and the series of Conder Tokens with Paine on his gibbet, available in the Moneta Library at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Paine_CTCJ10_Wahl.pdf

UK - Pig's Meat by T. Spencer

Moneta — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 19:43:06 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: 1795 Thomas Paine Pig Halfpenny 18th C. Political/Satirical Token issued by Thomas Spence. The obverse shows a wild pig trampling upon a crown, mace & crosier (King, Parliament, Church) a large liberty cap is above with the legend, "PIGS MEAT PUBLISHED BY T. SPENCE LONDON." as a banner in the pig's mouth The reverse is legend is " NOTED ADVOCATES FOR THE RIGHTS OF MAN"; "THOs SPENCE, SIR THOs MORE, THOs PAINE." This one is a halfpenny and measures 29mm. Several varieties can be found, some with the date of 1795; the basic design can also be found in the smaller farthing denomination. This one is especially nice with with a nice even brown tone and plenty of pigs hair details. We should all be familiar with a book written by Thomas Paine titled, "Rights of Man" published in 1791. This token reflects the political sentiment of the time. Because Thomas Paine is mentioned by name on this token, it is considered an American political collectible also and listed it's as such in some American coin catalogs. This is more true because Thomas Paine also wrote "Common Sense" which is THE book that inspired people to support the Independence movement which did lead to Independence for the United States of America. The "Rights of Man", in two parts, heavily influenced events in France and their Constitution, which inspired many during the French Revolution. Thomas Spence, (1750-1814), Newcastle schoolmaster and writer who moved to London in 1792, where he set up shop as a bookseller and became an active member of the London Corresponding Society. He allowed his home and shop to be used for meetings and, in May 1794, was arrested along with a dozen others, and remitted to Newgate Prison for his efforts. Upon release he entered the business of selling tokens, publishing a handbill listing twenty obverse and twenty reverse dies that could be ordered paired in any combination, and authoring an early guide to the series, The Coin Collector's Companion in 1795. He issued and sold a variety of tokens before quitting the business in late 1796; his stock and dies passing to Skidmore where they continued to be muled amongst themselves and with others then in Skidmore's possession.

G.B. Two Pence 1797 - Copper Cartwheel

Moneta — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 20:20:44 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Here's a second example from the Moneta Museum of a 1797 Cartwheel 2 Pence. This one is pure copper, without the bronzing treatment and was therefore a regular strike. Preservation is very good and the edges are clean except for a rim bruise on the reverse. Five of these, side by side, equals 8 inches and they are exactly 2 ounces of pure copper. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Articles on the "Cartwheel" coinage of Great Britain and Matthew Boulton are linked here: Cartwheel Penny of 1797 - Thompson: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Cartwheel%20Penny%20of%201797%20-%20Thompson.pdf Cartwheel of Boulton & Watt - Schraeder: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Cartwheel%20of%20Boulton%20&%20Watt%20-%20Schraeder.pdf Britain's Cartwheel Penny: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Britains_Cartwheel.pdf M. Boulton - Father of the Mechanized Press: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Boulton%20-%20Father%20of%20the%20Mechanized%20Press.pdf

G.B. "Cartwheel" Penny - 1797

Moneta — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 16:39:03 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Reading "Good Money" by George Selgin (highly recommended reading on the history of modern coinage) you'll find that the Penny was much more useful to the populace of Great Britain than the 2 Pence coin. They were struck in much greater quantities and for a longer period (into the 1800's). Yet, finding a decent collectible example at a reasonable price is a lot more difficult than the 2 Pence. Here's what I've been able to find. The book will disclose the great difficulty that Matthew Boulton had in convincing the British government to authorize the striking of these unusual pieces on his fully steam powered mint equipment at Soho, Birmingham. There are several varieties with differences in the number of oak leaves/berries and gun ports on the distant ship. Some were bronzed and others rare proofs were gilded (gold covered). Bronzing was accomplished by spreading a bronzing powder on the surface and then baking the coins giving them a protective dark brown protective layer. These were made for collectors and as presentation pieces. These pennies weight exactly one ounce of fine copper and the diameter of each (1.4+ inches) was such that 17 pieces lined up equaled exactly 2 feet. This example shows some "cudding" on the obverse caused by the striking action in collared dies. It's more common to find these with significant edge/rim damage, as they were heavy and easily dropped. Many are found with significant wear, they were often used as scale weights in commerce. I've researched this, comparing the few useful photos I can find, and I believe this is a scarcer 11 leaves variety. The extra leaf in the left group is a long stalk with a tiny leaf that's probably so rendered as to give it a more 3D effect. Also, this has a bit of an error, the '9' in the date appears more like a '0' with the slight remaining tail way out of place. Please let me know what you think. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Articles on the "Cartwheel" coinage of Great Britain and Matthew Boulton are linked here: Cartwheel Penny of 1797 - Thompson: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Cartwheel%20Penny%20of%201797%20-%20Thompson.pdf Cartwheel of Boulton & Watt - Schraeder: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Cartwheel%20of%20Boulton%20&%20Watt%20-%20Schraeder.pdf Britain's Cartwheel Penny: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Britains_Cartwheel.pdf M. Boulton - Father of the Mechanized Press: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Boulton%20-%20Father%20of%20the%20Mechanized%20Press.pdf

UK - Slave Trade Abolition Bicentenary

Moneta — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:10:52 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: "An Act For The Abolition Of The Slave Trade" 200th Year since 1807 when Great Britain first enacted laws against the slave trade. See Sierra Leone for a token struck at the time (Boulton, Soho) announcing the event. Edge lettering (from the famous Wedgwood designed Abolitionist token) "I'm I Not a Man and a Brother?" (see USA tokens for examples). Regular strikes were made in considerable numbers in bi-metallic copper nickel / nickel-brass. A 1k strike of yellow/red gold was also issued. This silver issue had 7,095 struck and Pieforts were also issued.

UK - Neptune & Whaling Scene

Moneta — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 17:51:56 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: England - Middlesex - Neptune with Trident and the reverse bears a unique scene of Whaling boatmen. This merchants token half penny is known as the I. Flowlers London, with only one type known. D&H#306. Reverse legend is "PAYABLE AT I. FOWLERs LONDON. WHALE FISHERY - 1794 in exergue. It's a fairly scarce type with unique depictions for a Conder and a nice chocolate brown surface. Neptune's gaze upon the whale slaughter tells you all you need to know about how he feels about it - send in a hurricane! You can read about whaling and some of the tokens involved at this https://archive.org/details/CTCJournal13/page/18/mode/2up

UK - Cambridge Druid & Beehive Halfpenny

Moneta — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 17:41:58 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Cambridgeshire 18th Merchant Token (Conder type) Halfpenny of 1795. Obverse features the Druid with date and the legend "CURRENT IN THE COUNTIES OF" and continued on the edge "CAMBRIDGE BEDFORD * AND HUNTINGTON". The reverse shows the popular image of a beehive surrounded by bees. The legend is "INDUSTRY HAS IT'S SURE REWARD." No truer words have appeared on a coin. D&H #12 and red/brown with minor spots and no distractions or rim damage.

Ireland - Cronebane 1789

Moneta — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:08:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is an average condition token from Cronebane, Wicklow 1789 type [D&H 3 to 34]. It's of similar design to the type that, along with the MacClesfield issues, were the first commercial tokens struck with steam powered presses. These presses did not utilize collared planchets, that had to wait until Boulton and Watt mastered the more complex task of providing a fully automated process that utilized segmented collars that allowed the automatic ejection of a fully struck coin with legends on the edge. That level of automation came with the Wales/Druid types that were the first "coins" struck entirely using a steam powered machinery at the Boulton/Watt operation in Soho, Birmingham in 1791/2.

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