Tokens of England, Nineteenth Century

Northumberland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, John Bell; Davis 23 / Batty 617 – this piece, lead trial / pattern, farthing sized 23mm, 8.98g. Legend as double-fronted shop, BELL over the door with 1815 underneath / ROBERT • OLIVER DRAPER. • QUAY • NEWCASTLE • 1815. 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.