Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

Miscellaneous Tokens and Checks, Transportation token: a 1797 Penny, rev. planed flat and stipple engraved (Dear Patchance, when this you see remember me as I shall everr think on the, William Sanders). Fine, rare £90-£120

William Sanders, a literate tailor’s boy originally from Birmingham, aged 14, was indicted for stealing 22 yards of cotton, valued at 16 shillings and belonging to George Clark, a linen draper of Oxford street, London, on 15 July 1829. He stood trial at the Old Bailey the following day, when one of Clark’s employees testified that he saw Sanders running away with the goods. In his defence Sanders said that he had no parents and lived with his grandmother. Found guilty, he was sentenced to be transported for 7 years. From Newgate prison he was sent to the boys’ prison hulk, the Euralyus, in Chatham, arriving there on 28 July 1829. In turn he was transferred to the Chatham-based Cumberland on 3 March 1831, and then to the Mangles on 28 November 1832. He arrived in Sydney in May 1833 and was assigned to work for a David Smith; he attained his Certificate of Freedom on 18 July 1836