Great Britain - 1794

½ Penny Token

(D & H 353 - Middlesex, Lackington's)
Obverse - Great Britain - 1794 Reverse - Great Britain - 1794
Obverse - Similar to No. 13, but the lettering of the legend is larger, and terminates in an ornamental stop.
No. 13 said Three-quarter bust in eighteenth century costume and wig.
Legend: J. LACKINGTON, with 1794 in the exergue.
Reverse - Figure of fame similar to No. 13.
Legend: HALFPENNY OF LACKINGTON. ALLEN & Co * and inside this: CHEAPEST BOOKSELLERS IN THE WORLD .
No 13 said Fame with her head to her right, blowing a trumpet and bearing a wreath in her left hand.
Edge: - PAYABLE AT THE TEMPLE OF THE MUSES * / * / * /
Diesinker, Dixon; manufacturer, Lutwyche. Common.
 
Comments. In 1793 Lackington sold a fourth part of his business to Robert Allen who had been brought up in the shop, and the firm of Lackington, Allen and Co. became one of the largest in the trade, selling upwards of 100,000 volumes yearly at their very extensive premises known as "The Temple of the Muses," No. 32, Finsbury Place South, Finsbury Square. There is a story that after Lackington's time a coach-and-horses was driven into the shop at one door and out at another.
Commercial Coins 1787-1804., pp. 109-110
D & H 353 - Cheapest Booksellers in the World
O: Similar, but with a quatrefoil after legend. The 1 of date is just under the bottom button of coat.
R: Fame as before. HALFPENNY OF LACKINGTON . ALLEN & CO. * A dot at the end of inner legend instead of an annulet.
E:
A. 249
PAYABLE AT THE TEMPLE OF THE MUSES * / * / * /