Thanks to all for today here is a picture of my three main finds, the coin has been identified for me by Lauren (Kim) once again she’s come up with the answers, it’s a John Gaunt Duke of Lancaster half penny token, hopefully here’s a picture of my finds and of what the token should look like
Nice one Mick - really unusual find and well done on the id Kim. Never seen one of those before 👍
I had a little bit more of a look into your token Mick - hope you don't mind.
You already know that it's a John Gaunt Duke of Lancaster half penny token and I'm 100% confident that's correct. There's a bit of an intriguing slant though as the token isn't the standard issue like the one below.
Your token is what is known as a 'mule' i.e. one that has been struck with dies that weren't necessarily meant to be together. The Obverse is correct but the other side isn't. The British Museum do however have one identical to yours.
The description reads - "Bust of John of Gaunt facing left and wearing a crown. Star under bust. Legend inscription. (obverse) (obverse)
A muscular and probably naked river god lying half on a river bank and half in a river with his arm and hand on a vessel on its side from which a liquid (probably water) flows. Inscription on vessel just below rim. Date in roman numerals in a sectioned off part at the bottom of the token"
If you look carefully you can see the word 'Clyde' on the rim of the Urn.....Hmmmm. This leads you to the conclusion that yours is a mule as the reverse of yours originates from another token....from Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Halfpenny token, 1791
Maybe there was some connection with John of Gaunt and Clyde area of Glasgow?
Anyhow, intriguing little find and one of the reasons I enjoy metal detecting so much - thanks for sharing.
Andy
Just to add to this, I've put a downloadable link in the 'Library' section to a publication called "The tradesmen's tokens of the eighteenth century by James Atkins" dated 1892. The halfpenny tokens issued by the Duke of Lancaster are noted on page 55&56. You'll see that there are several variations but all of them have the shield on the reverse. I think that confirms yours is indeed a 'Mule'. 👍 👍
Taken from Page 70 THE PROVINCIAL TOKEN-COINAGE OF THE 18TH CENTURY
There's yours Mick No.53...and it is indeed a 'Mule'
I reckon the middle find is a pewter hair slide - I've seen one similar referred to as a Barrette..like this:-
And the Austin 16 Badge would of looked smashing in it's original colours that you can just about make out still.
Nice set of finds Mick - well done.
