George III had discontinued the making of copper coins in 1775. He found that they did not circulate. There were two main reasons. The huge number of counterfeit coins in circulation would be spent first — if the holder could get anyone to accept them. The nice, new, shiny penny would be saved — part of “Gresham’s Law”— that states that “Bad money drives the good money out.” The second reason they did not circulate was the counterfeiter — who would gather up the new issues, melt them down, and make 2 or 3 lightweight coppers out of one good one — thus doubling or tripling their money. Obviously, this latter only added to the counterfeits in circulation.

A third reason existed. The large cities often had enough — or even an abundance — of coin. That most of it was “bad” coin was a fact, but at least it existed. The small towns out in the “provinces” were often completely without coin. Money has a habit of flowing to the major trade centers, never to return.

In 1787, the Parys Mining Company, who mined copper ore — made a decision. They had the copper, and they had access to coining presses. Located in Anglesey, Wales, they were out of the mainstream. Little coin of any kind found its way there. They decided to make their own. Beginning in 1787, they produced Penny and Halfpenny tokens, of the correct weight, nice design, and a edge legend that stated they were payable in Regal funds by them. They were avidly accepted by the workers, and loved by the merchants. The mines themselves were important — there was now a supply of copper in Britain that had not existed before. Planchets for copper coins could now be made locally, at reasonable cost.

Manufacturers and artists climbed on the bandwagon — producing designs that were not possible until improvements in coining manufacture due to the industrial revolution made it so. The need for correct weight coin existed — and there were lots of people willing to fill the need.

The idea caught on, and by 1795 thousands of issues of tokens could be found. Due to the improvement in the way tokens could be manufactured, the commercial tokens were not only of the correct weight, but could be made with wonderful designs. About 95% of the tokens produced were halfpennies. Penny tokens were generally produced in small number, with a couple of notable exceptions.

These tokens not only caught on with the buying public and merchants, but also created a groundswell of collectors determined to get one of each.

The collecting craze expanded to the point of many issues being made for collectors only — at a premium cost. It also led some manufacturers to the manufacture of “mules”— pieces made by using the obverse of one token, and the reverse of another — to make additional collector pieces. These were considered to be “spurious” issues — designed to cheat the public and fool collectors.

As well, the tokens usually came with a lettered edge. On a correct piece, the edge gives information on the issuer, and where he could be found to refund the token into Regal coin. Varieties were made using incorrect edge markings, giving collectors one more thing to find — and the user often nowhere to go to redeem the pieces.

Others saw the advantage of making tokens, as well. Tokens were produced to advertise, espouse political views and social problems.

By 1795, the supply of these tokens — real ones, spurious pieces, and medalets — exceeded demand. The quality had deteriorated to the point where something had to be done. The government finally stepped in, and called a halt to the tokens, issuing copper Two penny and One penny coins in 1797.

For a ten year period extending from 1787-1797 almost the only “coins” in circulation in Britain were the Provincial, or “Conder” tokens. As they were designed and manufactured by the public, they were not limited by any rules or regulations. Taken as a group, the tokens form a history of a people in a way never seen before — or since!! Through them, we can look in on life in late 18th century Britain. We can see how they lived and thought through their commerce, politics, advertising, and even view their architecture. Avidly collected at the time of their issue, many of these tokens survive in wonderful condition, pieces of history that can be held in the hand. Collectors today find them perhaps even more fascinating than they did years ago. The study of these tokens has proven to be rewarding to many, and the stories behind the tokens and the era are exciting to discover.

1789 Trade penny

'The Woolen manufactory'

Devonshire Exeter Halfpenny Condor Token

OBVERSE: A three-quarter figure of Bishop Blaize holding a book and wool comb. SUCCESS TO THE WOOLEN MANUFACTORY. REVERSE: Shield of Arms with Semper Fidelis, pegasus. EXETER HALFPENNY 1792. EDGE: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE OF SAMUEL KINGDON .X.

Very unusual copper coin, probably an 19th token

Inscribed EK

1794 Colchester half penny(y)

OBVERSE: A view of Colchester Castle to the edge of token. Ex: 1794. REVERSE: A weaving loom. SUCCESS TO THE BAY TRADE. EDGE: PAYABLE AT CHARLES HEATHS BAY MAKER COLCHESTER .X.

Napoleon's exile to Elba in 1814 (y)

Reverse
A man, supposed to represent the Duke of Cumberland, in crude imitation of a gold sovereign, with the legends:-
TO HANOVER 1837

Coventry COPPER halfpenny token dated 1793

Rev PRO BONO REPUBLICO

1815 Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (1742-1819), Prussian Field Marshal

The Battle of Waterloo, 1815 commemorative coin - great find

Neat find 18thC token - reads obv ' Good wine needs to bush'

'British Tea Warehouse - 4 Bitter Lane'

Britain be true to your King

Trampling on Liberty lost the King 1830

19thC token - Tooles 'class whiskeys'

'R A1'

rev reads 'Leadenhall St London'

Sussex Chichester. Halfpenny 1794. Front face of Queen Elizabeth I with crown and sceptre. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Rev.: Chichester Cross. CHICHESTER HALFPENNY. Edge: PAYABLE AT DALLEYS CHICHESTER

Can Dan cleaned up one of his crusty copper coins to reveal a neat Condor token

1794 ½ Penny Token (D & H 26 - Suffolk, Bury)

1899 Col Baden Powell hero of Mafeking medallion - issued by W.H.O Wills Capstan Navy cut cigarettes

Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell (1857-1941) was a decorated soldier, talented artist, actor and free-thinker. Best known during his military career for his spirited defense of the small South African township of Mafeking during the Boer War, he was soon to be propelled to extraordinary fame as the Founder of Scouting.

1792 NORFOLK AND NORWICH HALFPENNY, PRO BONO PUBLICO MAY NORWICH FLOURISH (dot) Edge: PAYABLE AT N. BOLINGBROKES HABERDASHER &c NORWICH X as D&H 14 except no dash (-) in HABERDASHER

1790 George III gilded full guinea gaming token

'For the good old times'

1793 Suffolk Sudbury Halfpenny Condor

OBVERSE: Shield of Arms of Sudbury; dog, lion. MAY THE TRADE OF SUDBURY FLOURISH. REVERSE: PRO BONO PUBLICO 1793. EDGE: PAYABLE AT GOLDSMITH & SONS SUDBURY .XXX.

Neat find 18thC token - reads obv ' Good wine needs no bush'

'British Tea Warehouse - 4 Bitter Lane'

Proverb - Something good does not need to be advertised

1792 Norfolk Norwich Halfpenny Condor Token

OBVERSE: The arms of Norwich; castle and lion.

REVERSE: A plough and shuttle. SUCCESS TO THE PLOUGH AND SHUTTLE. EDGE: Plain.

Druid's Head on Obverse of 1788 Anglesey Token Parys Mines
(b)

Copper Tokens
The copper tokens of Anglesey for the Anglesey Copper Company were among the first of the eighteenth century tokens to be issued. they were issued as pennies and halfpennies.
Obverse
The obverse shows a druid's head, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, without inscription:-
IRONMONGER BISHOPSGATE
LONDON

Reverse
The reverse shows a monogram or cypher P M Co for the Parys Mining Company, with the inscription:-
WE PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ONE PENNY
1788

1880-1890 John Robert Bedwell token Colchster Essex

Obverse

Legend on five lines, the top and bottom curved.

Lettering:
COLCHESTER
J. R.
BEDWELL
62 & 63
HIGH STREET

Reverse

Legend on five lines, the top three and bottom one curved.

Lettering:
FURNITURE BEDS AND PAPER HANGINGS *
PLATE
WATCHES
&

Reverse
A man, supposed to represent the Duke of Cumberland, in crude imitation of a gold sovereign, with the legends:-
TO HANOVER 1837

1795 Hampshire Portsmouth Halfpenny Condor Token

OBVERSE: IOHN HOWARD F.R.S. PHILANTHROPIST. REVERSE: Britannia seated. RULE BRITANNIA 1795. EDGE: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE LIVERPOOL X X X

18thC Huge token/medallion

EASTERN DISTRICT

AND

ENGLAND

BRANCH

E + C

19thC medical token

Obv - Dr Wynns Black and Blue reviver for restoring all kinds of

Sole manufacturer - Faded Mourning

Rev - 1 York building opposite Surrey Plane Kent Road London

1795 Condor token

This 1795 British copper halfpenny token was designed by Thomas Wyon of the Peter Kempson and Sons mint in Birmingham, England, for the London firm of Clark and Harris, dealers in stoves and fireplace grates. The obverse displays a bust of Washington facing right with the legend "G. WASHINGTON. THE FIRM FRIEND TO PEACE & HUMANITY." The reverse displays a large grate (a screen put in front of a fireplace) with LONDON and 1795 below. The reverse legend reads "PAYABLE BY CLARK & HARRIS 13. WORMWOOD St. BISHOPSGATE ." The "Grate" token is found in both the large button and the rarer small button varieties; referring to the relative size of the three buttons on Washington's coat. Most examples have a diagonally reeded edge but about 30 of the large button variety exist with the lettered edge: "PAYABLE AT LONDON LIVERPOOL OR BRISTOL."

The "Grate" token was made for and used in England but has been collected as part of the American Colonial series because of the Washington bust and because of its relationship to the Liberty and Security series. The "Grate" halfpenny was designed by the same engraver who created the Liberty and Security "penny" and it uses a bust similar to the 1795 Liberty and Security "halfpenny".

1830 George IV memorial medallion

June 26th 1830

19thC Ratton and Sons Harrogate token

'Your emporium'

1794 Colchester half penny(y)

OBVERSE: A view of Colchester Castle to the edge of token. Ex: 1794. REVERSE: A weaving loom. SUCCESS TO THE BAY TRADE. EDGE: PAYABLE AT CHARLES HEATHS BAY MAKER COLCHESTER .X.

20thC hotel token

Hotel RHIN DU ET DE PORTUGAL

Victorian copper token - Samuel Perrins

13 Union St, Spitalfields market, London

19thC advertising token

Malborough & Waterloo House, Harwich Essex.

Tea, Coffee,Peter,Nutmeg.Ginger,Clover, Mustard,Coco,Tapioca.

Raw & Loaf Sugars

The Trade supplied

Wholesale Prices for Cash Only

King William IV coronation medallion Sept 8th 1831

Obv Proclaimed June 28th 1830, Crowned Sept 8th 1831

Rev Crowned with their Peoples love guarded by a nations loyalty hallowed by their countrys bless

1883 Freeman's pudding powder Try it ! token

Freeman's Baking Powder advertising token Prince of Wales Award. Obverse: Portrait of The Prince of Wales [later King Edward VII]
Awarded For Freeman's Baking, Egg and Custard Powder. Reverse: Freeman's Pudding Powder, Try It.

19thC Insurance Token

Obv Mutual

Rev Wagoon. Horses

1794 Condor token - Middlesex half penny

Obverse

Bust of Hardy to left, name and date below, legend around

Lettering:
TRIED FOR HIGH TREASON
T. HARDY
1794

Reverse

Legend across six horizontal lines

Lettering:
ACQUITTED
BY HIS
JURY
COUNSEL
HON. T. ERSKINE
V. GIBBS ESQR

1794 Middlesex Prince of Wales Condor halfpenny token

Prince of Wales feathers

20thC one pence copper trade token

1D

Medal Great Britain George II Indian Peace 1757

Obverse with laureate armored bust left, GEORGIVS II DG MAG BR FR ET HIB REX around. Reverse with Native American hunting scene in forest, deer running with archer's arrow in mid-air.

This could be an amazing discovery

'Wow! Search under peace medal. It is one of the earliest made for Indian trade in America.' Dan



https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=16774


Summary:
- Original medal (13 known): $50,000 approximately
- Restrike at a later date with original die: $20,000 approximately
- Restrike with broken die: $1000 approximately
- Restrike (about 1960) with new die: $100 if in good condition
- Novelty token or souvenir: $5 or so



Is it an original or a restrike ??????

Circa 1710. Queen Anne. Rev. FVNDAMENTVM QVIETIS NOSTRAE. ECCLES. ANGL. Brass 26mm. by Lazarus G. Lauffer Nuremburg.

FVNDAMENTVM QVIETIS NOSTRAE. ECCLES. ANGL means The Church of England is the basis (or foundation) of our Peace. These were early propaganda tokens/jetons stressing that the protestant church was the way to maintain peace in Great Britain. Both Queen Anne & King George faced threats from legitimate claimants to the throne. These were Catholic and supported by french funds and sometimes french troops and had tremendous support in Scotland and Ireland plus some support from catholic families even in England.

First Condor half penny I have seen

1795 Newmarket half penny

Obv Druid head -'Current in the counties'

Rev Beehive - 'Industry has its sure reward'

1793 Suffolk Sudbury Halfpenny Condor

OBVERSE: Shield of Arms of Sudbury; dog, lion. MAY THE TRADE OF SUDBURY FLOURISH. REVERSE: PRO BONO PUBLICO 1793. EDGE: PAYABLE AT GOLDSMITH & SONS SUDBURY .XXX.

George 1st 1727 Coronation medallion

Coronation of George II 1727 J. Croker, the official coronation issue, Obverse: Bust left Laureate, armoured and draped, GEORGIVS. II. D.G. MAG. BR. FR. ET. HIB. REX. Reverse the King enthroned right, is crowned by Britannia VOLENTES. PER. POPULOS Exergue: CORON. XI. OCTOB. MDCCXXVII,

19th C Advertising token

Naiborough & Co, Waterloo Hse, Harwich

Haberdashers

James Blomfield Rush for murders at Stanfield Hall - Nov 16th 1848

Who was executed on Castle Hill on Saturday April 1849

1820-1821 Token - Caroline of Brunswick, Queen Consort of England

Obverse

Head of Queen Caroline with a feather headdress, facing to left. Legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CAROLINE.QUEEN CONSORT OF ENGLAND.

Reverse

The royal crown irradiated in the center with the legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: BORN MAY 17.1768. MARRIED APPRIL 8.1795.