Lot 2288

Sale 121 · Important Australian, British, World, and Ancient Coins, Banknotes, and Medals

Description

Fountain Tavern token, created on a shaved down halfpenny (6.39g), pierced hole at edge, obverse inscribed in running script, 'Mary/Hopper at ye/Fountain/Tavern', reverse also inscribed in running script, 'little/old Bailey/LONDON'. Very fine.

The Fountain Tavern was sited on the west side of Little Old Bailey and was demolished in 1793; the site is now under Holborn Viaduct Station. The tavern was nearby to Newgate Prison and most probably operated as a brothel. The above token is possibly an indentured servant's ID disc.

Estimate
$100
Result Status
Passed in

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