Great Britain - 1795

½ Penny Token

(D & H 36 - Kent, Maidstone)
Obverse - Great Britain - 1795 Reverse - Great Britain - 1795
Obverse - Justice standing with scales in her left hand and a sword in her right.
Legend: THE SPRING OF FREEDOM ENGLANDS BLESSING with ornamental stop dividing the first and last word.
In the exergue, KENT
Reverse - Arms of the Borough of Maidstone. (Argent, a less wavy azure, between three hurts [shown as torteaux on the token]; on a chief gules, a lion passant guardant or). Supporters (None are given by Edmondson, nor do any appear on the town seal) :- Two wild men affronté, with their exterior arms elevated and hands appaumée; each cinctured around the loins with leaves. "1795" above the shield.
Legend: MAIDSTONE HALFFPENNY
Edge:- PAYABLE BY HENRY OLIVERS + +
Diesinker, Dixon; manufacturer, Lutwyche. Three cwts. struck. Common.
 
Comments. The issuer was Henry Oliver, a cutler in Maidstone. The edge inscription gives a needless S to his name.
 
   Maidstone was originally governed by a Portgreve, an old Saxon word meaning governor, and twelve brethren; but was incorporated in 1549 by Edward VI, when the title of Chief Magistrate became changed to Mayor.
Commercial Coins 1787-1804., p. 76-77
 
D & H 36 - Maidstone
O: Shield of arms and supporters of the borough of Maidstone. 1795. MAIDSTONE HALFPENNY.
R: Figure of Justice standing. THE SPRING OF FREEDOM ENGLANDS BLESSING. Ex: KENT.
E:
A. 34
PAYABLE BY HENRY OLIVERS + +
Henry Oliver was a cutler.  Engraver - DIXON.  Manufacturer - LUTWYCHE