Catbert's FUN Haul - (3) Bring the Cavalry!

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Catbert, Jan 15, 2009.

  1. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

    This is the 3rd of 4 new pieces from the Orlando FUN show that I acquired that I am posting here for y'all's consideration. And yes, it is another Conder token, but again, this one is very special to me since it replaces the same exact piece I had once owned (but had returned to the dealer because it had some unpleasant spots). I had been watching this token sit in a high end dealer’s inventory for awhile and had hoped it would be “on sale” at FUN – and so it was and I pounced.

    This c1795 piece (D&H Norfolk #11) is considered to be a “private token”, meaning it was issued for collectors despite it being classified as a half penny. Their cost of production bore no relation to their face value and very few were minted of each type of collector token (in this particular die combination < 75 made).

    This token is a mule joining two dies used on other tokens. The reverse is a common depiction of the mythical Sir Bevois who killed 30,000 with his magical sword (including giants!). I speculate that the lion on his shoulder likely represents one of two lions he slayed while protecting his lady love who was under attack (again part of the myth). The statement “For General Convenience” was probably an indication of the token having some trading value, though in this muling, it would not have been used as such.

    [​IMG]

    The obverse is what compels me most. The token’s issuer was probably one of the members of the “Fifth Troop” of the Loyal Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry. Blofield is a parish some eight miles east of Norwich. (R.C. Bell - “Tradesmen’s Tickets and Private Tokens 1785-1819”). Out of fear of Napoleon invading Britain, many men joined militia regiments. By 1805, 800,000 had committed themselves, that is, 20% of the male population in contrast to 7% in France.

    I really like the musical instruments shown. One can imagine they were noisily played during a proper march!

    [​IMG]

    This copper token, expertly captured in the seller’s pictures above, is mostly brown, but when tilted reveals the beautiful and vivid colors depicted.

    As an aside, Mr. Coin Lover demanded :D that I answer his question regarding what sparked my interest in Conder tokens. It started with seeing one in August 2008 at the St Charles/St. Louis show that I bought (Pidcock’s Birds and Beasts – see my picture album). The numerous varieties will never bore, they are readily available in wonderful condition, and they appeal to my curiosity to learn of the history of how and why they were made. I’ve had great fun studying the period and getting to the story behind these great examples of numismatic art.
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    Very cool! Really like the obverse!
     
  4. dready

    dready Coin Hoarder

    I didn't get to see this 1 in hand but it sure is nice. From talking to you in person I know how much you like these tokens. Your knowledge of them is amazing. Great token........................................John
     
  5. Mr. Coin Lover

    Mr. Coin Lover Supporter**

    I really didn't demand, maybe a little pressure. They are very beautiful and quite unique, it is a collection to be very proud of and cherish. Is it hard to get information on them? I think it`'s great you collect something so unique like this.
     
  6. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

    Thanks for all of your comments! I think with only three responses to this thread, I have finally reached the maximum tolerance level of forum interest with my obession of talking about these tokens. :rolling:

    At least for my upcoming 4th and grand finale post on my new pieces from FUN, I will talk about a U.S. coin that I hope will generate some interest! Until then..............:goofer:
     
  7. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    What a beautiful token.

    I have one request, though. Will you please stop posting pictures of these things? I already have enough to collect...I don't need to get sucked into something else. :)
     
  8. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member

    I was thinking the same thing. There is already so much on my list to acquire, I don't need to buy conder tokens too, lol. Seriously though Catbert, I don't mind at all if you keep showing these off. I had no idea that you got started at that show where we met. You seem to know alot about these tokens, so I would have guessed you'd been collecting them for a long time.
     
  9. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

    Adam - I have a laser like focus when something catches my interest! :rolleyes:
     
  10. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member

    Apparently so! :)
     
  11. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Fine with me, I don't need any extra competition. It takes a very small increase in the number of collectors to cause a large increase in prices.
     
  12. spock1k

    spock1k King of Hearts

    ah nice tokens cat.
     
  13. HandsomeToad

    HandsomeToad Urinist

    You hid this one on me. :p

    I didn't realize what it was by the title so I had skipped over it until today. :goofer:

    I love it! :D I'm still picking up Conders when I can and have a few in route as I type. I'll post them when they get in. ;)

    Thanks for sharing the history of this one with us and the great pics! :thumb:

    Ribbit :)
     
  14. HandsomeToad

    HandsomeToad Urinist

    Here are 2 that have come in recently"

    This is a Christ's Hospital Six Pence:


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    They were used by the children of Christ's hospital, which were not allowed to have "real" money. They used these to make purchases with and they could be redeemed at the hospital for "real" money by the merchants who accepted them. ;) There are 3 different denominations and by what I've read, the Six Pence is the rarest of the three but I plan on getting the other 2 when I can. :thumb:

    I've always wanted a York Cathedral and I finally got one:


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    I think the Conder Series is awesome to collect and they sure beat collecting the new stuff being circulated by the US Mint. :hammer:

    Conders . . . they're not just for the Brits anymore! :D

    Ribbit :)
     
  15. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

    Bravo, HT! :high5:
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page