© ABC Coins & Tokens
© ABC Coins & Tokens
½ Penny Middlesex - Lyceum ND
| Copper | 8.79 g | 28.1 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1787-1805 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Conder tokens (1787-1797) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 8.79 g |
| Diameter | 28.1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | 1797 |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#114923 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
A man inverted balancing on his head on the point of a sword, itself balancing in a tripod bowl. Lettering around and in exergue
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SINGING DANCING TUMBLING SLACK WIRE &c.
EVERY EVENING
Engraver: Roger Dixon
Edge
Plain with lettering
Comment
Issued by the proprietors of The Lyceum Exhibition in the Strand at the West End of London. The building was built around 1765 and consisted of a large saloon with a skylight, surrounded by smaller rooms. The back was later converted into a theatre. In 1802 the first viewing of Madam Tussaud's waxworks figures was held there. After a rebuild in 1816, the theatre was destroyed by fire in 1830.William Lutwyche; manufacturer. Issued some time between 1787 and 1805.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token ½ Penny (Middlesex - Lyceum) ND (1787-1805) from United Kingdom is that it was issued during a time of severe coinage shortages in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. To address this issue, private companies and individuals minted their own coins, known as tokens, which were accepted as currency by local merchants and traders. The Lyceum token was one such example, minted by a private company in Middlesex, and it remained in circulation until the early 19th century when the Royal Mint introduced new coinage to address the shortages.
