Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

LONDON, Long Acre, The Duke’s Bagnio, silver with brass insert on rev., view of the interior of a columned building with bath in centre, naked female figure about to enter the water, arms of another female bather visible, tvesday fryday above, women below, rev. legend on Garter, JDY monogram in centre, 28mm, 4.86g (W 2737; D & W 68/174). Pierced at bottom and brass insert worn almost smooth, otherwise fair, extremely rare; very few specimens known £150-£200

The Duke's Bagnio was so-called by express permission of the Duke of York (later James II) to 'Sir William Jennings, the only undertaker of this new building' erected in 1667. The Bagnio was built in Long Acre on the site of the Salisbury stables, for sweating, bathing, washing, etc. The water was medicated or perfumed and all the processes of shampooing were performed. Men were admitted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and women on Tuesdays and Fridays only