British Anglesey Mines Penny Token c. 1788-1790
Coin/Bullion · The Parys Mining Company, Anglesey, Wales
Pattern: Anglesey Druid Head or Conder Token Series
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Parys Mining Company, Anglesey, Wales
Material
Base metal, primarily copper, though often collected alongside historical silver tokens and numismatics
Dimensions
Standard token size approx. 30mm diameter, weight approx. 25-28 grams
Description
A fascinating historical trade token from the late 18th century featuring a dynamic equestrian figure in high relief. The obverse displays a horseman holding a raised sword, encircled by a beaded rim and an abbreviated Latin or English trade legend. The piece has been pierced at the top edge, indicating its secondary use as a pendant or pocket token, showing deep historic character with warm dark patination and wear consistent with age and handling.
Key Features
High relief equestrian motif, beaded border, historic punch hole for suspension, clear lettering around the perimeter
Material & Composition
Base metal, primarily copper, though often collected alongside historical silver tokens and numismatics
Finish & Decoration
Struck surface featuring a beaded border and high-relief equestrian figure of a mounted soldier with raised sword, surrounded by Latin inscription legend
Hallmarks & Stamps
No official sterling hallmarks, but features issuer inscriptions such as 'WE PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ONE PENNY' along the edge and 'PM Co' monogram cypher
Construction Details
Die-struck heavy copper token produced during the British eighteenth-century token shortage
Functional Features
Issued as circulating currency and trade token by industrial mining concerns to pay workers, later drilled for suspension as a wearable talisman or pendant
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - pierced hole at the top margin for suspension as a pendant or charm
Craftsmanship Details
Strong die-struck impression with crisp beaded borders and detailed relief work typical of late 18th-century Soho Mint or regional subcontracted token mints
Authentication Indicators
Authentic die-struck texture, correct weight and diameter for Conder tokens, natural copper oxidation and age-appropriate wear patterns
Origin & Manufacturing
Anglesey, Wales, United Kingdom, produced during the height of the Parys Mountain copper mining boom
Era & Period
Georgian Period / Industrial Revolution (Late 18th Century)
Age Estimate
Circa 1788-1790
Cultural Significance
Reflects the massive industrial output of the British Industrial Revolution and the autonomy of large private enterprises in issuing currency
Condition Notes
Well-circulated condition with moderate surface wear, dark uneven patination, softened details on high points, and a drilled hole at the top edge for suspension
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $150 USD depending on exact variety, preservation, and collector demand
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid aggressive polishing or chemical dips to preserve the historical copper patina
Similar Pieces
Thomas Williams Anglesey Druid tokens, contemporaneous 18th-century Conder tokens, British trade pennies and halfpennies
Interesting Facts
During the late 18th century, a severe shortage of official British small change led private companies like the Parys Mining Company to mint their own massive quantities of copper tokens to pay workers