The world of antique coin collecting saw a fascinating event on October 7 in London, where Stanley Gibbons Baldwin held an auction featuring 18th-century British tokens. The auction was a treasure trove of history, with over 600 items from three collections, showcasing life and commerce in the late 1700s.
One standout item was the “Wildman of Jesso” bronze token, a halfpenny coin minted in 1797. This unique piece, known for its unusual design, drew significant attention and sold for £2,760 ($3,588 U.S.), far exceeding its estimated value of £300 to £350.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Token | Wildman of Jesso Halfpenny Token |
| Mint Year | 1797 |
| Material | Copper |
| Inscription (Obverse) | “A WILDMAN’S HEAD FROM THE LAND OF JESSO TO BE SEEN AT…” |
| Inscription (Reverse) | “SUMMERS’ MUSEUM NO 24 OLD CAVENDISH STREET OXFORD STREET” |
| Issuer | Richard Summers, London perfumer and antiquities dealer |
| Estimated Value | £300 – £350 ($390 – $455) |
| Sale Price | £2,760 ($3,588 U.S.) including fees |
| Auction Date | October 7, 2023 |
| Auction House | Stanley Gibbons Baldwin Auction |
| Historical Significance | Represents Georgian curiosity culture and token usage in trade |
| Cataloged In | Robert Conder’s 1798 Token Catalogue |
A Peek Into the Past
The “Wildman halfpenny” features a bizarre, grinning face with wild hair on one side and an inscription that reads: “A WILDMAN’S HEAD FROM THE LAND OF JESSO TO BE SEEN AT…” On the reverse side, it directs viewers to “SUMMERS’ MUSEUM NO 24 OLD CAVENDISH STREET OXFORD STREET.”
This token was issued by Richard Summers, a perfumer and antiquities dealer in London. His shop and museum on Old Cavendish Street were filled with curiosities meant to captivate visitors during the Georgian era—a time when cabinets of curiosities evolved into museums.
The Significance of Tokens
Tokens like the “Wildman halfpenny” were commonly used during the Georgian period for trade, as official coinage was often in short supply. These private tokens represented various industries, regions, and businesses, offering a unique glimpse into Britain’s commercial life in the 18th century.
Summers’s token is particularly special because it reflects the era’s fascination with curiosities from around the world. His choice to feature the “Wildman of Jesso” on the token was likely a marketing strategy to attract visitors to his museum, where it was one of the main attractions.
A Record Sale
This remarkable token was well-documented in Robert Conder’s 1798 catalog of 18th-century tokens, making it a coveted item for collectors. Its sale price of £2,760 highlights its historical and cultural value.
Conclusion
The “Wildman of Jesso” token not only captures the curiosity-driven culture of the Georgian era but also represents the importance of tokens in 18th-century British commerce. Its auction highlights how these small pieces of history continue to intrigue collectors and provide insights into a fascinating period of exploration and discovery.
FAQs
1. What is the “Wildman of Jesso” Token?
The “Wildman of Jesso” token is a rare 18th-century copper halfpenny minted in 1797. It features a grinning, wild-haired face on the front and a museum address on the back, issued by Richard Summers, a perfumer and antiquities dealer in London.
2. What does the inscription on the token say?
The inscription on the front reads: “A WILDMAN’S HEAD FROM THE LAND OF JESSO TO BE SEEN AT…” The reverse side of the token directs to “SUMMERS’ MUSEUM NO 24 OLD CAVENDISH STREET OXFORD STREET.”
3. Who was Richard Summers?
Richard Summers was a London-based perfumer and antiquities dealer who owned a shop and museum on Old Cavendish Street. His museum featured curiosities from around the world, reflecting the Georgian era’s fascination with strange and exotic items.
4. Why was the “Wildman” featured on the token?
The “Wildman” likely represented one of the most impressive and attention-grabbing items in Summers’s museum. Featuring it on the token was a marketing strategy to draw people to his shop and museum, where it was displayed.
5. What is the significance of the “Wildman of Jesso” Token?
The token reflects the culture of curiosity in the late 1700s when museums and “cabinets of curiosities” were becoming popular. It also represents the use of private tokens for trade and commerce during a time when official coinage was often scarce.