Here are a couple of really interesting coins that recently turned up. There is a cross over here from Shipwreck coins, military career and political activism. Admiral Alan Gardner, a figure of considerable renown in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a pivotal naval officer during an era dominated by the formidable might of the Royal Navy. His distinguished career was marked by bravery and strategic acumen, earning him a place among the luminaries of Nelson's era. Gardner's active service spanned significant conflicts, from the American War of Independence to the protracted struggles against Revolutionary France. He commanded with distinction at the pivotal 'Glorious First of June' in 1794, a major naval engagement against the French fleet, and later played a crucial role at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797, a resounding British victory. His unwavering resolve and leadership fostered immense confidence among his crews and the public, cementing his reputation as a formidable and respected admiral. Beyond his direct naval exploits, Admiral Gardner's name resonated in an intriguing corner of 18th-century numismatics: the Middlesex Conder Penny of 1796. This copper token, distinct from the later shipwrecked cargo, serves as a fascinating example of political satire prevalent during a period of intense public discourse in Britain. This coin weighs 22.5 grams and measures 33.5mm in diameter, the token is virtually mint condition and great in hand and is substantial, reflecting its role as both unofficial currency and a vehicle for social commentary. The coin has a great lustre but when it turned up it had a prominent finger print which I thought had been etched in but a quick rinse in acetone removed it so it probably happened at the auction house who should know better. The obverse of the token displays a dignified naval officer, undoubtedly Admiral Gardner, standing prominently beside a cannon. Encircling this patriotic motif is the bold inscription, "ADMIRAL GARDNER WORTHY OF THE FLEET OR THE SENATE. ELECTION TOKEN." This legend unequivocally champions Gardner's suitability for dual service, either as a revered naval commander or as a sagacious statesman, openly advocating for his political aspirations and seeking public support for his parliamentary candidacy. This was the time of “rotten boroughs” which didn’t change until the 1832 Reform Act so I guess that Gardner didn’t represent a rotten borough and bought votes if he went to the expense of minting a political token. You probably wouldn’t mint 10 of these! Although I haven’t confirmed this yet, it is highly likely that this was minted by Matthew Bolton at his SOHO factory. The reverse presents a more incisive and satirical tableau. A cunning fox, a symbol often associated with shrewdness or political opportunism, is depicted atop three precariously balanced boxes. These boxes bear the names "CORESPONG. SOCIETY," "RIGHTS OF MAN," and "WHIG CLUB," alluding to radical political factions of the time, groups frequently linked to the revolutionary ideals emanating from France. The fox unfurls a banner proclaiming "NO MAJESTY BUT THAT OF THE PEOPLE," a sentiment of pronounced anti-establishment leanings for the period. Further emphasising the perceived instability of these radical tenets, a figure attempts to support a log inscribed "SEDITION," uttering "THIS IS YOUR ONLY PROP." In stark contrast, a robust monument stands opposite, proudly bearing the inscriptions "BILL OF RIGHTS" and "MAG CHA" (Magna Carta), surmounted by the traditional symbols of monarchy – a crown, sword, and sceptre. This complex visual narrative powerfully asserts that true British liberty and stability are anchored in established constitutional principles, rather than revolutionary fervour, offering a clear critique of those seeking to dismantle the existing order. These privately issued Conder tokens were instrumental in conveying public sentiment and political messages during an era of coinage scarcity, and provide a unique insight into the social and political currents of Georgian Britain. It has to be borne in mind that this was minted at the height of the Napoleonic Wars when the French Revolution was still raw in the minds of the “ruling classes”. The story of the Admiral Gardner continues with a tragic maritime event and the reason I stumbled across this fascinating coin. An 813-ton East Indiaman, named in honour of the revered Admiral, this merchant vessel of the British East India Company had completed five successful voyages since her launch in 1797. However, on January 25, 1809, during her sixth outward bound journey from Blackwall to Madras and Bengal, she met with disaster. A severe gale drove her onto the treacherous Goodwin Sands, a notorious sandbank off the coast of Kent, England. While many of her crew were courageously rescued, the Admiral Gardner and her valuable cargo were lost to the sea. Among the most significant items recovered from the wreck were approximately 46 tons of newly minted copper coins, intended for circulation by the East India Company in India. These were primarily 10 Cash and 20 Cash copper coins, dated 1808 and 1809, struck at the Soho Mint in Birmingham. It is estimated that between 3.6 and 10 million coins were recovered! Certainly, enough for anyone with the vaguest interest in shipwreck coins to own one at low cost. The wreck remained submerged and largely forgotten until a fisherman's nets snagged on the site in 1984, leading to its discovery and subsequent salvage operations beginning in 1985. The coins, remarkably preserved within their sealed wooden barrels, offered a direct connection to early 19th-century maritime trade and colonial history. My coin shown here is a typical well -preserved example. You can buy these slabbed and the cost of the slab will be more than the cost of the coin. Poignantly, Admiral Alan Gardner himself passed away on January 1, 1809. This means the tragic loss of the East Indiaman bearing his name, just over three weeks later, occurred after his demise. He would, not have learned of the shipwreck, a sombre footnote to the life of an influential figure whose legacy resonated deeply within the annals of the British Navy and beyond.
Very cool token & story - thanks for sharing! I like that EIC 20 cash coin, too. I have one myself, but I need to take better photos. I don't know if it's from the Gardner wreck.
The Cash coins were issued by the Madras Presidency sub-division of the East India Company and are sometimes listed under "Madras Presidency". The 10 cash coin was 1/96 of a rupee and the 20 cash coin was 1/48 of a rupee. The original post was quite informative and inspired me to order a 10 cash coin from the usual place. I have had a 20 cash coin for some time.
A wonderful and fascinating election token or medal. I see from the internet that Gardner was elected as the member of Parliament for Plymouth in 1790 - unsurprisingly perhaps as Plymouth was a major base for the Royal Navy - so he was probably standing for re-election in 1796. I have to admit however that I had never heard of Admiral Alan Gardner, and I find that my copy of The Eyes of the Fleet, by Anthony Price. on the history of frigates 1793 - 1815, mentions him only once (in 298 pages) as "one of the forgotten admirals" who is remembered, if at all, for his insistence on properly defended convoys. On another point, I think that most British people with a smattering of history would immediately grasp the significance of the "Foxes" on the token. Charles James Fox (1749-1806), was the brilliant leader of the oppostion Whig party and the most vociferous supporter of the French Revolution, and the token shows the "evils" that Fox and his party would bring in if they ever won a general election. Also note that a Corresponding Society at this time was a society that promoted the radical ideals and ideas of the French Revolution which were anathema to the Tories and to most British politicians and voters.
Good point @Bardolph familiarity made me omit Charles James Fox as the symbolism was so obvious to me . I even have Fox's autograph somewhere in my collection. I studied Nelson and his contemporaries until I burnt myself out on the subject. "The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson" edited by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, contains references to Admiral Alan Gardner. One letter says "To Commodore Alan Gardner Boreas Nevis 13th May... One other circumstance I must mention which". In another letter dated May 19, 1803, to Lady Hamilton, Nelson referred to Lord Gardner as a drinker! He is also referenced in O'Byrne's Naval Biographical Dictionary, first port of call for anyone studying naval officers within this time frame. Yes, Gardner's memory has become obscure compared for example to Pellew another frigate captain contemporary, and later Exmouth of Algiers. However, amongst numismatists, given the vast amount of coins salvaged from the Gardner shipwreck , he is unlikely to be forgotten.
