1823 London & Oxford Token

Ironmonger Bishopsgate London on Obverse of 1823 Token

Hot Air Balloon 'Sparrow' on Reverse of 1823 Token

Copper Farthing Tokens
The date makes this rather late for a token, as tokens were outlawed after 1813. This piece has no indication of its value other than its size. It may have been intended as an advertising medallion rather than a true token. It was issued by Sparrow, a London ironmonger.

Obverse
The obverse of this token shows a portrait of Isaac Earlysman who shared the ascent with Charles Green, a famous 19th century aeronaut, with the inscription:-
IRONMONGER BISHOPSGATE
LONDON

Reverse
The reverse shows two men in a hot air balloon with the word "SPARROW" across its basket, with the inscription:-
ASCENDED AT OXFORD
JUNE 23 1823

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