Newgate Prison London (Middlesex) copper halfpenny token dated 1794. Obverse: Front view of prison with legend: “NEWGATE MDCCXCIV”. Reverse: Legend on eight lines: “PAYABLE AT THE RESIDENCE OF MESSrs SYMONDS WINTERBOTHAM RIDGWAY & HOLT”. Diagonally milled edge. The political satire of the token arose from the fact that all the “issuers” were all currently prisoners resident in Newgate Prison, having been found guilty of seditious libel. Notably, Ridgeway was publisher of Paine’s “Rights of Man”. Nice collectable condition for type with a little subdued lustre remaining and the usual light diagonal die flaw not well developed on reverse, see photograph.

D&H Middlesex No: 393. Diameter 28.8mm. VF+. £35.00

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