Tokens of England, Nineteenth Century

Northumberland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, John Bell; Davis 20 / Batty 620 – this piece, lead trial / pattern, farthing sized 25mm, 9.31g. The Arms of Newcastle on Tyne, legend as JOHN BELL, BOOKSELLER QUAY. / A barge sailing. As struck, exceedingly rare, possibly unique.

Est. £500- £700

Provenance: Ex-F.S. Cokayne Collection, purchased from F.W. Bowman in 1926, for the large sum of 68 shillings. Bowman had purchased from F.E. Macfayden Collection, Sotherby’s, July 1907. D.T. Batty Collection and, by Davis’ note from Batty, that he acquired from the executors of the issuer, John Bell, sometime after his death in 1864.