Owner Comments:
Purchased on 4/9/2013.
Rochdale (Lancashire) copper Conder halfpenny token dated 1792, D&H 149
Obverse: The Arms of the Clothworkers' Company with a ram crest: “ROCHDALE HALFPENNY 1792”.
Reverse: Mounted dragoon presenting sabre galloping left: “PRO REGE ET PATRIA”, “QUEENS BAYS”.
Edge inscription: “PAYABLE IN LONDON” with the remainder engrailed.
Listed in Dalton & Hamer as “SCARCE” (estimated mintage of 75-150 tokens).
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This particular token is conserved in almost original state, and graded at an unbelievable NGC MS66RB. Almost certainly amongst the nicest examples of this token extant. The token is referred to as a "mule" because the dies were previously used to strike other tokens. The reverse dragoon (horse) design of this token is featured on several Conders from other counties including:
Norfolk DH-7, 46, and 47
Somersetshire DH-87
Warwickshire DH-60 and 61
Yorkshire DH-64
The "Queens Bays" refers to the 2nd Dragoon Guards, active from 1767 to 1959. The regiment was ordered to be mounted on bay horses, noted for their dark red coat and jet-black mane and tails. This cavalry regiment in the British Army were active in dozens of skirmishes throughout their existence. In 1921 their official name became the "Queen's Bays", which had only been referenced colloquially before that time. After 250 years, in 1935 the Bays lost their horses and became a mechanized regiment. They transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps in 1939, and were active on many fronts in World War II.
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According to the information from the British Numismatic collection:
Thomas Wyon, die-engraver
Peter Kempson, manufacturer