23rd March 2015
We have been instructed to sell this unusual Isle of Man 1811 Bank Token in our 22nd April 2015 Coin Auction.
In the late 18th and early 19th century Great Britain experienced a shortage of low denomination coins. In particular pennies and half pennies, essential for use in everyday transactions were in very short supply, making buying a loaf of bread or pint of milk or even being paid wages at all extremely difficult. As the government did little to counter this problem a number of private business owners and merchants commissioned regional tokens for use in these everyday transactions.
The first token to appear on the Isle of Man was in 1668 and is attributed to John Murrey. These penny tokens are extremely rare and sought after. The next to appear in 1811 were attributed to the short lived partnership of Littler, Dove and Co. (The Douglas Bank Co.) and depict Peel Castle on the obverse. The tokens were designed by Thomas Halliday and were minted in Birmingham by Sir Edward Thomason.
Lot 633 in our 22 April 2015 auction is this Isle of Man 1811 penny bank token. It has been graded as extremely fine and has an estimate of £150.
Click here to view the full 22nd April 2015 auction catalogue or keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook accounts which will include updates of our latest auction news.
Established in 1958, Warwick and Warwick has grown to be one of the leading coin auctioneers and coin valuers in this country. We can offer you the best possible facilities for the sale of coins and banknotes. Our team of coin experts will be pleased to offer free advice, in complete confidence, on any matters relating to buying or selling in auction or by private treaty.
Are you thinking of selling your coin collection or perhaps part of it? Would you like us to value your collection of coins or banknotes and give you advice on how best to market it? Visit our selling coins page for more information or call us on 01926 499 031 and ask to speak to one of our experts.
By Jill Smith.