Owner Comments:
Aryshire DH #7
Obverse: Bare headed bust of Adam Smith facing right in profile
Reverse: a seated female (Scotia?) mourning over antique military trophies
Edge: Plain
Diesinker: John Milton
Manufacturer: John Milton
Issuer: Col. William Fullerton
Rarity: Scarce
Made around 1797, Col. William Fullerton's private token. Colonel William Fullerton of Troon, MP for Ayrshire twice, Governor of Trinidad from 1801, Colonel in Chief of the 98th. Regiment of Infantry, the 101st Regiment of Foot and the Fullerton's Light Horse - all three of which he raised, lived at Fullerton House a large estate by Troon in Ayrshire. On his death in 1808 the estate was bought by the Duke of Portland.
In the last years of the 18th. century he designed a set of coins that were to be issued by a bank in Ayr for circulation in Scotland. The design had the Prince of Wales's approval, but the issue was abandoned because its similarity to the existing regal issue!
He was obviously interested in provincial coins for he had this private token halfpenny made for himself and a few years later another featuring William Wallace i.e., again with very Scottish sentiments.
The die crack on the reverse developed early in its use.
Atkins: Aryshire 3