Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s recently held an exciting auction of British 18th-century tokens at 399 Strand on October 7, 2024. They showcased over 600 items from three outstanding collections, including the collection of Paul Gerrie. This auction provided a fascinating glimpse into the last decade of the 1700s, highlighting how coinage was used in many British counties across different businesses and trades. For ten years, these coins were truly “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Many tokens in the auction performed very well, with some selling for much more than expected.
Key Highlights from the Auction
One of the most interesting tokens was Lot 451, a unique copper halfpenny token. It features a strange, grinning face with wild hair and eyes wide open. The inscription on the token reads: “A Wildman’s Head from the Land of Jesso to be seen at….” On the reverse, it mentions Summers’ Museum on Old Cavendish Street, Oxford Street. This token was created in 1797 by Richard Summers, a perfumer and antiquities dealer in London. This period was known for “cabinets of curiosities,” where wealthy gentlemen could see rare items from around the world. The Wildman halfpenny was estimated to sell for £300-350 but ended up selling for £2,760, which is about $3,603.73 USD.
Another popular token was Lot 125, the Spence token featuring a dog and a cat. It was expected to sell for £250-300 but also reached £2,760. The token reflects the views of Thomas Spence, who thought the general public acted like “fawning spaniels” to the government. The token shows a Spaniel walking left, with the words “MUCH GRATITUDE BRINGS SERVITUDE” around it. The cat is seen on the other side, with the inscription “I AMONG SLAVES ENJOY MY FREEDOM.”
More Highlights from the Sale
Lot 327 featured a penny from 1799 showing two horses racing, an appropriate design for Newmarket, famous for horse racing. The token was estimated at £600-700 but sold for £1,020 ($1,331.81 USD). In the 1790s, there were no official copper coins in Britain because of the war with France. This created a problem for small shopkeepers needing coins for change. To solve this, a Welsh mining company started creating tokens that looked like real coins, helping businesses operate until the government issued official coins.
Table of Notable Tokens Sold
Lot Number | Token Description | Estimated Price | Sold Price |
---|---|---|---|
Lot 451 | Wildman Halfpenny (1797) | £300-350 | £2,760 ($3,603.73) |
Lot 125 | Spence Cat and Dog Halfpenny (1796) | £250-300 | £2,760 ($3,603.73) |
Lot 327 | Newmarket Penny (1799) | £600-700 | £1,020 ($1,331.81) |
Conclusion
The British 18th-century token sale by Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s highlighted how coins were used in everyday life back then. These tokens tell stories about the people and businesses of the time, showing us how they interacted with the economy. The sale was a success, with many tokens selling for much more than expected, which reflects the growing interest in historical coins. Auctions like this help collectors and history lovers appreciate the value of these unique pieces of our past. As we look at these tokens, we can understand a bit more about the history of Britain during the 18th century and how these small items played a big role in everyday life.
FAQ’s
What are 18th-century tokens?
18th-century tokens are coins issued by private individuals or businesses instead of the government. They were used mainly for everyday transactions when official coins were scarce.
Why were tokens important in the 1790s?
Tokens were essential because there was no official copper currency due to the war with France. They allowed merchants to give change and conduct business smoothly.
How does Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s auction work?
Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s auction sells historical coins and tokens. Items are displayed, and collectors bid on them, often exceeding their estimated prices.