18th Century Tokens
The 18th‑century provincial token series — often called “Conder Tokens” after the early cataloguer James Conder — emerged during a period of severe small‑change shortage across Britain. Between the 1780s and 1790s, merchants, manufacturers, shopkeepers, and civic bodies commissioned their own halfpennies and pennies to facilitate everyday trade. These pieces are renowned for their artistry, political commentary, industrial themes, and detailed local imagery. Many were struck to high standards by skilled engravers, making the series one of the most visually appealing and historically informative in British numismatics.
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England
Hampshire
WSCT 7383 — Portsmouth
Portsmouth. 18th Century Token. Bust of John Howard left. IOHN HOWARD. F. R. S PHILANTHROPIST. ® Arms of Portsmouth: sun and moon over triple‑towered castle, Chichester arms above entrance. PORTSMOUTH AND CHICHESTER. HALFPENNY 1794. Edge: PAYABLE AT SHARPS PORTSMOUTH AND CHALDECOTTS CHICHESTER.
£15.00
Norfolk
WSCT 7381 — Norwich
Norwich. 18th Century Token. Shield of arms of the city upon sword and mace in saltire, between palm branches. SUCCESS TO THE CITY OF NORWICH. ® Old‑fashioned shop front with sign of a bird; DUNHAM & YALLOP above door, TEAS beneath fanlight. NORWICH HALFPENNY 1792. Edge: PAYABLE AT THE SHOP OF DUNHAM & YALLOP GOLD‑SMITHS. D&H # 28.
£20.00
WSCT 7396 — Norwich
Norwich. 18th Century Token. Shield of arms of the city upon sword and mace in saltire. SUCCESS TO THE CITY OF NORWICH. ® Eagle with wings expanded. NORWICH HALFPENNY 1793. Edge: PAYABLE AT THE SHOP OF DUNHAM & YALLOP GOLD‑SMITHS. D&H # 31.
£25.00
Nottinghamshire
WSCT 7384 — Nottingham
Nottingham. 18th Century Token. DONALD & CO STOCKING MANUFACTURERS WHOLESALE & RETAIL, within oval of leaves; PROMISSORY HALFPENNY PAYABLE AT NOTTING’M OR. ® Bees swarming around beehive; No 29 BULL STREET BIRMINGHAM 1792. Edge: Plain. D&H # 7. Second O in PROMISSORY re‑cut over an A to correct a spelling error.
£10.00
Yorkshire
WSCT 7378 — Leeds (Paley’s)
Leeds, Paley's. 18th Century Token. Full‑length figure of Bishop Blaze and lamb. ARTIS NOSTRAE CONDITOR. ® Shield of arms, crest an owl. LEEDS HALFPENNY 1791. Edge: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOUSE OF RICHARD PALEY .xx. D&H # 51.
£18.00
