Owner Comments:
Middlesex Kempson's Series of London Buildings and Gates DH #74
Obverse: An ancient gateway with an equestrian figure over the arch ALDERSGATE AS REBUILT 1616. Ex. TAKEN DOWN 1766 in two lines
Reverse: A figure of Justice holding scales and a sword aloft, incuse legend on a raised rim BRITISH . PENNY . TOKEN 1797
Edge: Plain
Diesinker: Thomas Wyon
Manufacturer: Peter Kempson
Rarity: Scarce
Aldersgate stood near the site of the Castle and Falcon Inn and was named for the number of alders growing nearby in ancient times from which Aldersgate Street took its name. The old gate was replaced in about 1616 and the gate was badly damaged in the Fire of London but was restored and redecorated in 1670.
On the northern face of the gate above the archway was the equestrian figure of James I surmounted by the Royal Arms; in the niches on either side the prophets Jeremiah and Samuel were represented. On the south side James I was again depicted in his robes, commemorating that the first Stuart entered the city of London through this gate on his way to be crowned.
Aldersgate was sold for £91 in 1761 and was removed about 5 years later.
One of Peter Kempson's series of London building tokens made for collectors. The series consists of 39 tokens portraying 25 buildings, 3 bridges, and 8 ancient gates of London.
Atkins: Middlesex 64