Finding Aid
Token coins were issued in many places in England between 1787 and 1800 when the government failed to mint enough copper coinage for the conduct of business. As long as local merchants would give equivalent goods or change for the tokens, they were as current as the King's coins.
1. 1792
Samuel Johnson copper coin, 3cm in diameter, bearing on the obverse a profile bust of Johnson, wearing a wig, facing right, showing the upper part of the coat, lettered "Dr. Samuel Johnson", a small ornament below bust. On the reverse three lions rampant, lettered "Promissory Halfpenny Payable At" edge lettered W. Hampton or Litchfield.
One of two varieties issued by H. Biggs of Birmingham. No. 2 in the list of seven Johnson tokens described by A.W. Waters (Notes and Queries, 6 December 1930 pp.403-4)
2. 1794
J. Lackington copper coin, 3 cm in diameter, bearing on obverse a bust of Lackington in wig, facing front left, showing upper part of coat and cravat, lettered "J. Lackington" with date 1794 below bust. On the reverse angel blowing trumpet and holding wreath, lettered in outer circle "Halfpenny of Lackington. Allen & Co." and in inner circle "Cheapest Booksellers in the World". Edge lettered "Payable at the Temple of the Muses * / * / * "
