This is a P. T. Barnum circus token from one of his visits to England. The actual visit was in 1846 and this token is overdated 1850. There is a similar token with the same Tom Thumb reverse but lady Liberty on the obverse instead of Victoria. Most of the coins I have come across in my research are the American version with a few 1846 Victoria versions and one 1850 gold gilt version. My problem is none of these match my token. If anyone knows of any information on this specific coin, it would be very helpful. Here are a couple pictures (not the best but they do their job) You can see the overdate to the left of the 0 and a hint of it in the loop of the 5
I have some info concerning your token. There are 4 variations of the 1846 date, and 4 variations of the 1850 date. Since yours is the 1850 Victoria/Tom Thumb, I will provide the descriptions of those 4 variations. From TAMS Journal Volume 14, Number 4, August 1974 (Part II) 1113. Obv: Young head to left, VICTORIA REGINA, 1850. Signature on truncation A & M, nose to O. Plain Borders. Rev: Above, GENERAL TOM THUMB, 15 lbs. WEIGHT, below. In center Tom Thumb standing beside two books. Copper, 22.4mm, plain edge. M. Fuld 1113a. Obv. & Rev. Same as #1113. Brass, 22.4mm, plain edge. TAMS #Tom.-3. 1113b. Obv. & Rev. Same as #1113. Gilt, 22.4mm, plain edge. M. Fuld 1114. Obv: As #1113, except "50" in date has been die altered from "46". Rev: As #1113. Brass, 22.4mm, plain edge. R.N.P. Hawkins saw this specimen which came from New York.
Wow thank you! I guess mine is 1114. since parts of the "46" are visible underneath the 50. Do you happen to know the rarity of it?
