Newgate Prison London (Middlesex) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1794. Obverse: Front view of prison: “NEWGATE MDCCXCIV”. Reverse: Four robed figures surrounding a bundle of sticks: “LONDON CORRESPONDING SOCIETY”.  Plain edge. This is a mule of the Newgate Prison and Corresponding Society obverses. Newgate Prison was the current residence of Ridgeway, publisher of Paine’s “Rights of Man” and the other sedition prisoners. The London Corresponding Society was founded in 1792 in order to spread revolutionary doctrines, similar to those propagated in France following the Revolution, by pursuing political reform through education. It stressed the necessity of government by the people and highlighted the corrupt method of selection for Parliament, whilst advocating peace with France. It's greatest success was when 150,000 people attended one of their meetings in Copenhagen Fields, London in 1795. Good collectable condition for type, see photograph.

D&H Middlesex No: 395. Diameter 27mm. F. £20.00

e-mail David at d-stuart@d-stuart.demon.co.uk to order.

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