The Collection of 18th Century Tokens formed by Dr David L Spence

Birmingham, Society for Free Debate, 1789, a copper medal by T. Wyon Sr, bust of Demosthenes left, rev. to raise the genius and to mend the heart, 33mm, 15.53g/6h (DH 35; D & W 110/80). Light scuffing, otherwise very fine, rare (£120-150)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of 18th Century Tokens formed by Dr David L Spence.

View
Collection

Provenance:
Fawcett/Litman Collection.

Members of the Society discussed social, moral, and political questions; it was still functioning in 1792, when the magistrates interfered on the grounds that the previous year’s riots should discourage public discussion of dangerous subjects. For more details on Demosthenes see Bartlett, CTCJ Spring 2003, pp.24-7