Newgate Prison (Middlesex) copper halfpenny token dated 1795. Flat roofed variety of this issue. Obverse: Front view of prison with central flat tower and date “1795” below between sprigs with legend: “NEWGATE”. 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”. Good collectable condition with dark tone, see photograph.

D&H Middlesex No: 396b. Diameter 28.6mm. VF+. £40.00

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