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Admiral Gardner's Political (Middlesex) copper Conder penny token dated 1796. Obverse: A naval officer (probably Admiral Gardner) in full uniform standing in front of a canon with legend: "ADMIRAL GARDNER WORTHY OF THE FLEET OR THE SENATE. ELECTION TOKEN". Reverse: A satirical scene of a fox holding a banner inscribed :NO MAJESTY BUT THAT OF THE PEOPLE", standing on three boxes on which is written: "CORESPONG. SOCIETY", "RIGHTS OF MAN", AND "WHIG CLUB". The three boxes are balanced on a log inscribed: "SEDITION" held in place by a man saying: "THIS IS YOUR ONLY PROP". Opposite is a monument inscribed: BILL OF RIGHTS MAG CHA", topped by a crown, sword and sceptre. Plain edge. Listed in Dalton & Hamer as "SCARCE". 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 in London. This was obviously issued by their political opponents. Nice collectable condition with reflective surfaces not picked out by photograph. D&H Middlesex No: 226. Diameter 33.5mm. EF. £175.00 e-mail David at enquiries@abccoinsandtokens.com to order. |