Moneta
Registered: August 2005
Location: Arizona USA
Posts: 2,365
|
A really nice example of an interesting 18th C. tradesman token (Conder). Lady Godiva, bare, on horseback. Warwickshire, Coventry halfpenny of 1793.
The legendary ride of Lady Godiva: Lady Godiva took pity on the poor people of Coventry, who were suffering under Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and her husband's oppressive taxation. Leofric said he would grant her request for some relief is she would ride naked through the streets of the town. She took him at his word, and after issuing a proclamation that all persons should stay indoors with the shutters closed, she rode through the town clothed only in her long hair. Only one person, a tailor forever known as Peeping Tom, disobeyed her request and bored a hole in his shutters so that he could see Lady Godiva pass.
OB: arms of Coventry, an elephant with castle, no period after legend. Last N & Y of the legend are near the tail of the elephant with tuft in center of the tail - thus Dalton & Hamer #238. RX: PRO BONO PUBLICO 1793 (For the Public Good).
While fairly common, this is in exceptional condition and well struck, never cleaned.
|
