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England - 1794

Cheapest Booksellers in the World

Obverse

Obverse:

Similar to No. 13, but the lettering of the legend is larger, and terminates in an ornamental stop.
No. 13: Three-quarter bust in eighteenth century costume and wig.

Legend:

J. LACKINGTON, with 1794 in the exergue.

Edge:

PAYABLE AT THE TEMPLE OF THE MUSES * / * / * /

Reverse

Reverse:

Figure of fame similar to No. 13.
No. 13: Fame with her head to her right, blowing a trumpet and bearing a wreath in her left hand.

Legend:

HALFPENNY OF LACKINGTON. ALLEN & C^o * and inside this: CHEAPEST BOOKSELLERS IN THE WORLD .

Vern's Comments:

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

England — Middlesex

D & H 353 — Lackington`s

Bell Pg: 109-110

O: Similar, but with a quatrefoil after legend. The 1 of date is just under the bottom button of coat.

A. 249

R: Fame as before. HALFPENNY OF LACKINGTON . ALLEN & CO. * A dot at the end of inner legend instead of an annulet.

E: PAYABLE AT THE TEMPLE OF THE MUSES * / * / * /