Lutwyche's John Freeth Birmingham (Warwickshire) copper penny token undated. Obverse: Bust of John Freeth wearing a tricorn hat with legend: “THE BIRMINGHAM POET”. Reverse: Legend on five lines within oak wreath: “BRITONS BEHOLD THE BARD OF FREEDOM PLAIN & BOLD WHO SINGS AS DRUIDS SUNG OF OLD”. Edge inscription: “MANUFACTURED BY W. LUTWYCHE BIRMINGHAM X”.  John Freeth ran a tavern known as Freeth's Coffee House in Bell Street, Birmingham, where the political Minerva or Jacobin Club met regularly. He entertained his customers by singing and reciting poems and earned his nickname of “The Birmingham Poet”. Nice collectable condition with a small edge bruise, see photograph.

D&H Warwickshire No: 30. Diameter 34.0mm. EF. £80.00

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