OK.....it isn't U.S. related, but where else can you find such interesting and varied designs, limited mintages, made mostly in the late 1700s, usually found in XF+, and relatively reasonably priced? Ssshh, they are called Conder tokens (or British Provincial Tokens) and keep it quiet so prices don't keep going up from demand :secret:. The collector base is still small compared to many other coin pursuits, so no price guides exist and info about each token takes considerable research if you want to learn about the history behind the particular design. If you want some background, read this summary and context for their creation: http://www.chicagocoinclub.org/lib/club/ccc/PiN/emt.html Now to my new purchase. This is from the county of Middlesex, England and is labelled "Bayly's 253" in the Dalton and Hamer reference book. It is considered to be scarce, between 75-200 made and likely made in 1796. My coin is uncirculated. The 253 was put out by a Mr. Bayly, who ran a small natural history museum, and had items on display, most of them stuffed. The common folk were always interested in wild animals and seeing them in a museum or even live (see my Pidcock's token - advertising a travelling menagerie) was some entertainment away from everyday drudgery. This token was likely an advertising piece, but it also was one of the tokens that were created for the contemporary collector at the time. My pictures aren't what I want them to be (there is more red/orange on the reverse not revealed, the coin isn't as bright orange either), but these will do for now. This token is really struck up so the animals appear to emerge from the coin. Note particularly the snake's head is so struck up (not stuck up ) that it prevented a solid strike on the letters in front near the rim. I'm about to dance down the street with exhuberance and had to share it with you immediately! :smile:smile:smile:smilehya:hya:
Bayley's are so hard to find! I too follow the Conders and prices (Ebay) and this would go for quite a bit on Ebay and it makes me wonder what the true value is, since the quality pieces on Ebay rarely go for anywhere near their true vaule. I'm surprised there isn't a price guide for these? As collectable as they are, there should be a good price guide for them and they are not just a British thing, since they are appealing to everyone. :thumb: I love the Pidcocks & Spence Tokens and the Bayleys, but the Bayleys are so rare to find, I don't usually put them on my list of favorites. :bow: I can't wait for you to send it to me for grading. Love it! Love it! Love it! :thumb: Ribbit Ps: Any edge lettering? :kewl:
Toad - I'm glad you share my sentiments on Conder's. Regarding the Bayly's, I need to revisit my D&H, but I think there is only one version of this token. Also, it has a plain edge.
I asked because with Conders it was common for them to make different variations and with lettered edges, so I wondered if it had a lettered edge. Plus, I wonder if they ever muled either side with another coin? :thumb: Conders are an awesome series to collect and some day I'll post mine but none of mine are AU/BU, most were found in the ground or worn but they fit into my collection better that way. I wouldn't want my British Collection outdoing my American Collection. Ribbit
I don't collect tokens ,but I have to say thet is a nice specmeni nice copper head snake, no the coin i mean. :thumb: Jazzcoins Joe :whistle:
Got another one to post I did acquire another token, but it isn't a stunner like this one. Even so, I think you'll find the design intriguing and will post some pics soon. Thanks for all the comments above guys!
I know I've exhausted your interest in this little token, but I did want to post a picture about what I was referring to about the snake's head (snout?) being struck up and causing the nearby ("Y") lettering to flatten out. Take a look: When one lays this token flat, you can sense the animals protruding from the surface! OK, you can return to other threads now....:goofer:
I like that , looks like the the surface of mars Cool Coin I saw it when you posted it,in an earlier post scary looking snake Jazzcoins Joe:smile
