Provincial Tokens
Dorsetshire Poole DH 3
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
G.BRIT - DORSETSHIRE |
| Item Description: |
1/2P 1797 G.BRIT D&h-3 DORSETSHIRE - POOLE E: ENGRAILED Dorsetshire DH 3 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 64 BN |
| Owner: |
farthing |
Owner Comments:
Dorsetshire Poole DH #3
Obverse: The Crest and Motto of the Prince of Wales in a circle, an oval with 75 underneath R. ALLEN . IRONMONGER . POOLE 1797
Reverse: POOLE HALFPENNY PAYABLE . IN DORSETSHIRE AND . DEVON 1797 in six lines
Edge: Engrailed
Diesinker: Unknown
Manufacturer: Paul Skidmore
Issuer: Richard Allen
Rarity: Rare
Richard Allen was an ironmonger in Poole. The token is most likely a specious token issued by Skidmore for sale to contemporary collectors. However, the 'plumes over 75' is an interesting design and has a specific relevance to Poole which gives credence to the possibility that it may have been made for a Poole Lodge or Society.
The 75 probably refers to the political struggle beginning with the Petition of Rights which the citizens of Poole brought for hearing in 1775. Following its rejection by vote the men of Poole contended that the right of voting should be defined on the basis of 'inhabitant householders' and the question was debated again and again. By the date of the issue of this token the matter had still not been resolved and was arousing continued controversy.
Struck with a buckled reverse die.
Atkins: Dorsetshire 3
Bt: David L. Cannon