The Collection of British Tokens formed by the late Sven Gahlin

Warwickshire, Birmingham, John Gregory Hancock, Trial for a Penny, 1800, in copper, interior of workshop, artist’s model and mask at left, rev. punchmarked legend, design for i.g. hancock’s token 1800, some punches reversed, edge plain, 22.71g/10h (DH 14). Extremely fine and as made, brown patina, of the highest rarity; perhaps only 2 known
£4,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Tokens formed by the late Sven Gahlin.

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Provenance: W. Norman Collection, Sotheby Auction, 13-15 July 1903, lot 282; F.S. Cokayne Collection [from Baldwin June 1905]; Baldwin ‘Basement’ Part II, Baldwin Auction 97, 29 September 2015, lot 1249.

This important token, of which at least one other is known (the DH plate coin), was one of those most valued by William Norman, so much so that he had his friend W.J. Davis re-acquire it on his behalf for £5 at the auction in 1903. Davis also acquired the previous lot, containing the unique specimen of DH 14 bis, which was originally in the Chetwynd collection; it seems likely that the present piece was also once owned by Chetwynd. It was brokered by Baldwin to Cokayne on 23 June 1905 for £5 10s