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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1 comment

Lady Godiva - Coventry

Moneta — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:31:31 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A really nice example of an interesting 18th C. tradesman token (Conder). Lady Godiva, bare, on horseback. Warwickshire, Coventry halfpenny of 1793. The legendary ride of Lady Godiva: Lady Godiva took pity on the poor people of Coventry, who were suffering under Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and her husband's oppressive taxation. Leofric said he would grant her request for some relief is she would ride naked through the streets of the town. She took him at his word, and after issuing a proclamation that all persons should stay indoors with the shutters closed, she rode through the town clothed only in her long hair. Only one person, a tailor forever known as Peeping Tom, disobeyed her request and bored a hole in his shutters so that he could see Lady Godiva pass. OB: arms of Coventry, an elephant with castle, no period after legend. Last N & Y of the legend are near the tail of the elephant with tuft in center of the tail - thus Dalton & Hamer #238. RX: PRO BONO PUBLICO 1793 (For the Public Good). While fairly common, this is in exceptional condition and well struck, never cleaned.

J. Wilkison - Iron Master

Moneta — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:32:41 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Warwickshire halfpenny. See another type of John Wilkinson Iron Master of 1791 in the Museum. This from 1793 has differences in design, particularly the edge inscription which here is only partially legible: "...ANGLESLY OR LIVERPOOL". John Wilkinson (note proper spelling) issued tokens in three major reverse types: Barge, Vulcan and Forge. This is the Vulcan type and here also is another misspelling of Wilkinson's name. Also, any edge variation from the standard WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY indicates an evasion counterfeit, as this is. 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

John of Gaunt - Lancaster

Moneta — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:13:22 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: John of Gaunt - Duke of Lancaster. John of Ghent was his real title & based upon his birth in Ghent [Low Countries]. He was a key figure during the power plays of England in the late 1300's. Check Wikipedia for an interesting and detailed history. His brother was known as the Black Prince and the momentous history involves Richard II and the fight with Henry Tudor. OB: "IOHN OF GAUNT DUKE OF LANCASTER". RX: "LANCASTER HALFPENNY" with date 1792 below. Edge inscription "PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONTON OR BRISTOL". RR John of Gaunt (6 March 1340 – 3 February 1399) was an English prince, military leader, and statesman. He was the third of the five sons of King Edward III of England who survived to adulthood. Due to his royal origin, advantageous marriages, and some generous land grants, Gaunt was one of the richest men of his era, and was an influential figure during the reigns of both his father, Edward, and his nephew, Richard II. As Duke of Lancaster, he is the founder of the royal House of Lancaster, whose members would ascend to the throne after his death. His birthplace, Ghent, corrupted into English as Gaunt, was the origin for his name. When he became unpopular later in life, a scurrilous rumor circulated, along with lampoons, claiming that he was actually the son of a Ghent butcher. This rumor, which infuriated him, may have been inspired by the fact that Edward III had not been present at his birth. [Wikipedia]

Manchester 1/2 Penny - 1793

Moneta — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:53:20 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: ob: "MANCHESTER PROMISSORY HALFPENNY", shield with two griffins rampant with a packed camel above. Banner reads "GOD GRANT GRACE", 1793 below. rx: bale mark of the East India Company with legend "FIELDINGS GROCER & TEA DEALER PAYABLE AT IN.". Plain edge.

Admiral Lord Nelson & HMS Victory

Moneta — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:38:02 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: 19 th C. (1812?) - Bust of Admiral Horatio Nelson left with the legend "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY ". Reverse depicts the famous HMS Victory under sail to the right. Legend "BRITISH NAVAL HALPPENNY" (misspelled 'Halfpenny') with "1812" in exergue. The edge is engrailed. Very nice example and impressive historical half penny. The date 1812 saw significant battles against Napoleon Bonaparte and his final downfall. [This type shares obverse die w/Withers 1066 (Sheffield); 1811 / PAYABLE / AT NO. 18 / NORFOLK ROW / SHEFFIELD]. Admiral Nelson was the victor at the Battle of Trafalgar and others. An associated piece of General Wellington can be seen in World>North America>Canada Does anybody else see an optical illusion where the ship can tilt up and then tilt down?

Stortford - Hertfordshire

Moneta — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:01:18 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I'm not a specialist in 18th C. English tokens but this one had to be included because it was made by Matthew Boulton at his fully functional steam driven mint at Soho, Birmingham. What's more, among all his token issues, this was known as Matthew Boulton's favorite (R. Doty "The Soho Mint & the Industrializtion of Money". He was so impressed with the design and execution of this token that he kept a few handy to pass out to those interested in having a token struck. He felt this was the height of his art and minting skills, with the effective 3D perspective, I think you'll agree. D&H#4 Bishop's Stortford in the county of Hertfordshire. AU+/Unc Bronzed Copper Halfpenny, this example is proof-like. Dated 1795, struck in 1796. Edge reads :"Payable at Bishops Stortford". Only 24,814 were struck, including 36 that were gilt and six struck in silver. Designer was Kuchler, and the pieces commemorated the navigational improvements made on the Stort River. The halfpenny tokens were commissioned by Sir George Jackson, who's name & arms appear. Dalton & Hamer # 4. Engraver: KUCHLER

A Map of France

Moneta — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:46:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Satirical Merchant token of England. It satirizes the French Revolution. Copper halfpenny token engraved by William Mainwaring, manufactured by Peter Kempson, 1794. There are several varieties (9?). Look carefully to see the tracks leading from the foot and around the inner field; this represents the masses of the peasants meandering around destructive and changing dynamic of the French Revolution. The word "throne" has been diminished and set on its head. The word RE\LI/GI\ON has been chopped up just as the revolution had desecrated the Catholic church and had killed more than 1000 clergyman. "FRA-NCE" has been divided "HONOR" and "GLORY" has been trod upon and kicked. The 'map' is surrounded by daggers with 'FIRE" rampant in every corner of France. By 1794 the chaos and murder associated with the French Revolution had revealed itself fully with the killing of over 30,000 people, mostly royalty, rich landowners, counter revolutionaries, and clergy. The reverse sentiment "May Great Britain Ever Remain the Reverse" expresses the fear and concern that a similar revolution be avoided even in a country that needed reforms of it's own. The French Revolution was a much different revolution than the one in America. It lead directly to Napoleon Bonaparte and a return of the monarchy. My other 'Conders' are associated with Matthew Boulton and the Soho mint. This is included because of the fascinating theme and my interest in other tokens related to the French Revolution that were struck at Soho [Monneron]. From Baldwins Auctions #97 (UK) Sep 2015 comes their listing info for a similar token: Peter Kempson, Copper Halfpenny, 1794, obv: A MAP OF FRANCE 1794, a foot within a square border, HONOR (trampled) underneath, FRA-NCE divided, THRONE (turned upside down), GLORY (defaced), RELIGION (broken up), FIRE (in every corner), daggers (murder) on every side, and bloodshed all over; rev: MAY GREAT BRITAIN EVER REMAIN THE REVERSE radiated within an oak wreath, large letters in inscription, G of GREAT and N of BRITAIN touch the wreath, edge PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE OF THOMAS CLARKE (Atkins p.369, 98a; D&H Middlesex 1016a). Very Rare. This one has small reverse lettering because the G/N do not touch the wreath (D&H 1016 series). This piece perhaps makes the medium work too hard. Taking as the basic theme a conceptual map of France, the obverse depicts HONOR trodden underfoot, the THRONE overturned, GLORY obliterated with cross-hatching and RELIGION shattered into pieces, while FIRE burns at every corner and the whole design is surrounded with daggers and runs with wavy lines intended to represent flowing blood. The sententious legend of the other side, "May Great Britain ever remain the reverse", puns on the medium of issue in a different way. Although the allusions may seem over-clever to us, William Mainwaring had struck metaphorical gold with this design of his, which is known in twenty different issues and three different metals (though gold is not one of them). Its popularity can be explained by English horror at the new developments in France as the Revolution there reached its final and bloodiest stages. Rare to Very Rare. Sharp describes the design thus: ”France divided by serpents, the Land in mourning, Throne turned upside down, Honour trodden under foot, Glory defaced, Religion cut in pieces, Law and Justice two bubbles, Liberty nowhere to be found, Life in danger, Property insecure, Fire in every quarter.”

Macclesfield - Roe & Co.

Moneta — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:58:43 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: What evidence that exists indicates that this type of token for Roe and Company of Macclesfield, Cheshire 1789, is the 1st coin ever struck using Steam powered minting equipment! That makes this piece historically representative of the Industrial Revolution. These, naturally, were accomplished by Matthew Boulton at his Soho mint in Birmingham England, using steam engines designed by James Watt. This and the Cronebane issue, illustrated here also, were Boultons' first coining efforts after the conventional minting of the Sumatra Kepings of 1786 & 1787. The blank planchets, with edge lettering applied, were supplied by John Westwood. Therefore Boulton was acting as a subcontractor for Westwood who supplied the 14 tons of copper for the Macclesfield and Cronebane tokens. These were minted before the full automated process of using collars and ejection systems had been devised (1791, see Anglesey). Mintage figures are unknown for this token but estimates vary from 103K to 600K - 700K, with the latter estimate probably close to correct. Obverse (reversed in photo): Bees and beehive with cypher (R&Co.); MACCLESFIELD. Reverse: Female (representing industry) holding a cogwheel with 8 spokes; 11 threads on auger screw; HALFPENNY 1789. I believe DH9, with 6 spokes on the cogwheel and 10 threads on the auger screw is the rare, and first variety, minted by Boulton. This example is a later DH11 variety with right hand bee between E & L. Edge: PAYABLE AT MACCLESFIELD LIVERPOOL OR CONGLETON.X.

D. Eccleston - Boulton

Moneta — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:50:34 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a significant numismatic item in that its important to the Matthew Boulton saga of coinage advancements. It was Boulton's 'ideal' coin design that was to help prevent the forgery prevalent at that time. The broad raised border with incuse lettering was thought to be beyond the capabilities of the forgers. The design (by Ponthon) was accompanied by a lower relief below the rims. This design experiment was first used with this Lancaster half penny but went on to be used with the beautiful Madras Presidency issues of 1794 and the famous 'Cartwheel' pence and two-pence issues for the British in 1797 and the Isle of Man. Prime examples of all of those have been sought out to present here in the Moneta Museum. From the ton of copper Eccleston shipped to Soho 109,247 pieces were struck. The subject, Daniel Eccleston, has a very interesting story too. He published a notice of his own death and then circulated a letter that was supposed to have been written from beyond the grave! The coining charges amounted to 57 Pounds but Eccleston never fully paid Boulton for his services. Instead he tried to make a payment with a dozen coconuts. Over a period of 25 years, or so, he did manage to reduce his debt by 40 Pounds, leaving the rest unpaid until his '2nd' death. I'll have an article posted here soon about this famous eccentric that has ties to America, G. Washington and T. Jefferson. D&H #58, a variety where the dot after 'COMMERCE' has been worn off of the die through polishing is twice as available as D&H 57 with the dot present. Specimens are available struck in proof. For a description & history of die varieties see: Eccleston Lancashire Halfpenny - Leather: http://www.numsoc.net/eccleston.html VIEW & DOWNLOAD: An excellent article from "The Conder Token Collectors Journal" Vol. 10 (Dec. 1998) by Richard Doty is available at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Boulton_Eccleston_Doty_CTCJ10.pdf

Anglesey - Parys Mines 1791

Moneta — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:01:33 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Fully Bronzed proof in Unc. This is a historic piece of numismatic and Industrial Age history. It's the famous issue of the first regular product from Matthew Boulton's Soho mint in Birmingham England that utilized full steam engine power from start to finish, including collard dies. I have to stress 'regular issue' because another issue (D&H 380) was the first token product when the full automated process was declared working but these are considered patterns with only about 75 stuck. This token half penny was the first one of a large regular production (D&H 391, purchased from Bill McKiver, The Copper Corner). Obverse shows the famous Druid of the Anglesey, Parys Mines. Reverse consists of the 'cypher' of the Parys Mine Co. with 1791 above and the legend "THE ANGLESEY MINES HALFPENNY". Edge of the token made with collared dies is flat and sharp with the inscription "Payable in Anglesey or London <<<<<<<<<<<<-". 29.00 mm; 12.45 gm The following on this order of tokens from fully automated and collared dies of this exact type from the site Soho Mint: http://sohomint.info "The next couple of months saw Soho busy with the last consignment of Druid halfpence for the Parys Mines, more than a million tokens sent off in September 1791 and, apart from the work done for the French house, Monneron Frères, the biggest single issue of tokens undertaken by Boulton. Unfortunately, Dumarest’s Druid had been sacrificed on the altar of Thomas Williams’ objections, and the new tokens reverted to the original Druid engraved by Hancock. Dumarest was relegated to engraving the oak wreath." Also from this site - on the earliest trial pattern strike (75 struck): "Small numbers of Anglesey halfpence were struck in October 1790, from one of two experimental Druid dies engraved by Boulton’s new French designer, Rambert Dumarest. A box of these patterns was sent to Thomas Williams who rejected them out of hand. The face was too big for the head, and admitted no room for brains, the Druid’s beard looked like a waterfall, and Williams would rather give up his coinage altogether than issue these coins!" The tokens of the Parys Mines Company may well be considered the “premier tokens” of the Eighteenth Century. It is thought that this druid head design was used because Thomas Williams (original manufactuer of the tokens) lived at Plas Llanidan, close to the battle fields of the Romans and Druids in AD61 and AD76. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Concerning the industrialization of money manufacture the best source may be Richard G. Doty, who wrote the book on the subject ("The Soho Mint & the Industrialization of Money"). Doty also wrote many articles for "The Conder Collectors Journal" in preparation of the book. Some of these may present more detailed information than the book and are accessible. I've transcribed his article on the Druid tokens of Anglesey, which contains details on the evolution of full steam powered coin production and presents rare documentation of the Dalton & Hamer catalog numbers that were involved in this evolution. In includes a little on the 'bronzing' process found on his proof issues. The article is available from the Moneta Library at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Boulton_Anglesey_Doty%20CTC_3_16.pdf

Anglesey - Parys Mines - M. Boulton

Moneta — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:56:01 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a historic piece of numismatic and Industrial Age history. It's the famous issue of the first regular product from Matthew Boulton's Soho mint in Birmingham England that utilized full steam engine power from start to finish. I have to stress 'regular issue' because another issue (D&H 380) was the first token product when the full automated process was declared working but these are considered patterns with only about 75 stuck. This token half penny was the first one of a large regular production (D&H 391). Purchased from Bill McKivor. Also notable and rare is this particular "ERROR" token. This issue is known to be issued in 'bronzed' copper only but this one shows only partial bronzing on the reverse (cypher) side with a halo of red copper surrounding the DRUID side (see Museum for a full Bronzed beauty). Purchased from the premier dealer of 18th C. English tokens - this is the only one he has ever seen that did not receive the full bronze treatment. Obverse shows the famous Druid of the Anglesey, Parys Mines. Reverse consists of the 'cypher' of the Parys Mine Co. with 1791 above and the legend "THE ANGLESEY MINES HALFPENNY". Edge of the token made with collared dies is flat and sharp with the inscription "Payable in Anglesey or London <<<<<<<<<<<<-". There is an area on the rim of the obverse showing some difficulty and cudding. 29.06 mm; 13.55 gm The tokens of the Parys Mines Company may well be considered the “premier tokens” of the Eighteenth Century. It is thought that this druid head design was used because Thomas Williams (original manufactuer of the tokens) lived at Plas Llanidan, close to the battle fields of the Romans and Druids in AD61 and AD76.

UK Anti-Slavery Token "Am I Not a Man and a Brother"

Moneta — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:34:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This British Abolitionist token was used as a fundraiser and awareness of the cause token. Copper halfpenny token issued by the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade established by Granville Sharp and Thomas Clarkson in 1787. Proceeds from the sale helped the anti-slavery movement in the UK achieve its goals. The design was first seen on plates done by Wedgwood, designed by William Hackwood, in 1787. The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act finally became law in 1807, although the institution of slavery was not officially abolished until 1833. Elements of these designs (hand shake; chained & pleading slave) were seen in tokens created in the U.S.A. for the same purposes. The "Am I Not A Woman & A Sister" tokens (see USA tokens) are less scarce than this. However, the American version of this "Am I Not A Man & A Brother" British token is exceedingly rare with only three known examples. An illustration of this rarity can be found under this Museums' USA Tokens listing. See also American Colonization Society tokens under Liberia (World > Africa > Liberia). Perhaps the most famous social token of the whole period, whose imagery was so powerfully used by William Wilberforce, was this one, known in many variants and proclaiming the essential injustice of slavery. On the obverse a kneeling negro pleads, "Am I Not A Man And A Brother" while on the reverse linked hands are placed inside the motto, "May slavery and oppression cease throughout the world". This particular piece was probably issued in Dublin. Edge inscription is: "Payable in Lancaster, London or Liverpool." Thought provoking and difficult to find Anglo-Irish Political and Social Series (Middlesex) copper Anti-Slavery Conder halfpenny token undated. I think this is attributed to Dalton & Hamer Middlesex No: D&H# 1038/1039 series. I've compared two and can clearly see differences in lettering size and placement. I believe this piece is a 'bronzed' variety and I welcome your opinion in the comments below. Part of the Political & Social Series, struck in the 1790's after the designs by abolitionist Josiah Wedgwood. The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade (or The Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade) was a British abolitionist group, formed on 22 May 1787, by twelve men who gathered together at a printing shop in London. The Society worked to educate the public about the abuses of the slave trade; it achieved abolition of the international slave trade in 1807, enforced by the Royal Navy. The United States also prohibited the African slave trade that year, to take effect in 1808. The kneeling male slave design has recently been commemorated in a new trial/pattern silver issue [Joseph Lang of Steve Album Coins] from Sierra Leone and Benin and a series of advertising store tokens. The original concept was from porcelain china creator Wedgwood. [Numista.com] In the middle of the eighteenth century, tales describing the gruesome reality of slavery in the West Indies made their way back to Britain and stimulated public interest in the topic. The first formally organized abolitionist group, The Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, came together in 1787 at a printing shop in London. This society was responsible for commissioning the famous “Am I not a man and a brother?” design, which it adopted as its seal. The motif first appeared in print in the March 1788 issue of The Gentleman’s Magazine, but no attention was given to the name of the artist. Several prints of the design existed amongst the papers of ornithologist and engraver Thomas Bewick upon his death in 1828, and as of now he remains the most convincing candidate, but the evidence is far from conclusive. Well-known potter Josiah Wedgwood produced cameos of design in the late 1780's, some of which were shipped to Benjamin Franklin and worn by supporters of the antislavery movement in Philadelphia. [Kyle Knapp: https://archive.org/details/CTCJournal55/page/n25/mode/2up VIEW & DOWNLOAD these research articles on abolition tokens: Numismatic Impressions of the Abolitionist Movement - Kyle Knapp [a PREMIER article!] http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Numismatic%20Impressions%20of%20the%20Abolitionist%20Movement%20_%20Knapp.pdf The Kneeling Slave Token - Beerstecher: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Kneeling%20Slave%20Token.pdf Abolitionist Tokens & William Garrison - Rachootin: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Abolitionist%20Tokens%20&%20William%20Garrison%20-%20Rachootin.pdf Conder Token Collectors Club Journal (CTCC) article : https://archive.org/details/CTCJournal55/page/n25/mode/2up Here's an early article on this series by Melvin and George Fuld, "The Numismatist" Apr 1957, page 395 at this: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/527330 "Am I Not A Man And A Brother" Anti-Slavery Conder Token; ca. 1796. Manufacturer: William Lutwyche; Mint: Soho Mint, Birmingham; Artist: Roger Dixon. Copper, 2.8 cm. In 1787, responding to an ongoing shortage in official coinage, some British merchants and tradesmen began producing their own privately minted coins and tokens for local circulation. Cheap and accessible, these objects proved an ideal vehicle for political propaganda. Abolitionist and antislavery designs proliferated in London and the provinces. This halfpenny token, which was manufactured in Birmingham, bears the seal of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade on the obverse (or front). A pair of clasped hands with the inscription “May slavery & oppression cease throughout the world” appears on the reverse.

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Roe & Co. Macclesfield

Moneta — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:31:22 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This gorgeous half penny token (1790) was purchased because I thought it was the first steam struck coinage by Matthew Boulton. Further investigation indicates that the Roe & Co. tokens were only struck by Boulton in 1789. I have no info on who struck this 1790 version showing the profile portrait of Charles Roe. I do know that a 1791 issue of this Cheshire token was die engraved and manufactured by the earliest token maker of the era, William Hancock. The 1789 version obverse (same reverse design) features a bee hive over the cryptic initials 'R & Co', MACCLESFIELD is above. Roe's Macclesfield (Cheshire) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1790. Obverse: Bust of Charles Roe to right: CHARLES ROE ESTABLISHED THE COPPER WORKS 1758. Reverse: Seated female [Genius of Industry] holding cogwheel and tool (mining tools). MACCLESFIELD HALFPENNY 1790. Edge inscription: PAYABLE AT MACCLESFIELD, LIVERPOOL OR CONGLETON * X *. Charles Roe became a partner in several copper mines, and the famous Anglesey Mines in Wales were first worked under his direction. Roe & Co., owned extensive works for smelting and making copper on land to the east of Macclesfield. This AU+ token retains a hint of red, is flawless and is ~30 mm and 12.65 gm.

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J. Wilkinson Iron Master - 1790

Moneta — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:48:23 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: John Wilkinson - Iron Master half penny, 1790. These were struck by Matthew Boulton and were the 2nd issue dated 1790; this one engraved by Dumares and struck by m. Boulton; they were of a reduced weight from the originals (36 to the pound rather than 32). Design (man at a forge), was retained from J.G. Hancock who had struck them up to 1789. The edge inscription is: "WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY". A plain edge variety is D&H 387b, and it's very rare. Dia. ~ 29 mm; 12.02 gm. If the edge is not as above, or 'Wilkinson' is misspelled as 'Wilkison' or 'Wilkenson' then the piece is one of the very many contemporary evasion counterfeits. Reverse types other than Vulcan, Forge, or Barge are also counterfeits. Others wanted to take advantage of the acceptability of the Wilkinson half pennies, others made alternate reverse types for the collector market in those times. Not a counterfeit. NOTE: check for 'oo' between Bradley and Willey to make this D&H 387a. A plain edge variety is D&H 387b, and it's very rare. Type 387 features No Period (after Master) and straight '1 & 7' in the date. Common. 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

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John Wilkinson - 1791 Vulcan

Moneta — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:06:24 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: These half penny tokens were (seated Vulcan design) struck by J.G. Hancock Sr.(?) Authentic John Wilkinson tokens feature one of three types, this Vulcan type, a ship image that is supposed to be a barge, and the Forge scene with worker with forge and hammer. All authentic pieces have the following edge inscription. Misspellings of Wilkinson (Wilkison, Wilkeson) are contemporary counterfeits, as are the mules and other reverse themes. See at least one of those elsewhere in the Museum. This is an authentic example The edge inscription is: " WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY". Dia. ~30m; 12.50 gm; cleaned VF, retoning. 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

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Cronebane Token of Ireland

Moneta — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:47:03 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Associated Irish Mine Company, of Cronebane, County Wicklow, Ireland - 1789. This token half penny is probably the second issue of Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Records are unclear (or non-extant) but the issue for Roe & Company (see variety here with Bee hive) was probably first off of the line on the new steam driven press at Soho in Birmingham England (many sources site the Parys Mine Druid pieces, this is incorrect; they are famous for being first using a full automated process including collard dies, planchet placement and ejection). Therefore, this piece and the Roe/Macclesfield token are the first mintings on steam presses that helped usher in the Industrial Age! Between the two issues it has been estimated that 1.671 million half penny tokens were struck, 1M alone for this one. However, Boulton received the blank planchets already cut-out and the edges pre-milled by John Westwood. This variety is different than the one depicted in the book "The Soho Mint & the Industrialization of Money" (By Richard Doty). Reverse legend should read 'ASSOCIATED IRISH MINE COMPANY', this one substitutes 'ARMS' for Company and the shield does not have background textures representing colors. Diameter is ~29mm and weight is 10.63 gm, XF. Edge inscription is: "PAYABLE IN LONDON * BRISTOL * LANCASTER **". Full cutting, milling, and striking, by steam, was accomplished on the Parys Mine issues, see them here also. This is probably a counterfeit variety.

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