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 Replies: 12 / Views: 799 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1057 Posts |
On 1 November, 1811, in the sleepy little Fenland hamlet of March, three local merchants released into circulation the only token produced in Cambridgeshire during the Regency Period. Two of these partners -- all named on the obverse -- were known to be "drapers," which would explain the use of the Golden Fleece on their shilling. The widespread need for small change to make everyday commerce possible is emphasized by the legend that clearly announces the token's purpose: "To Facilitate Trade." 
"If everything seems to be under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--- Mario Andretti
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9149 Posts |
Interesting piece of history , thank you.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
24878 Posts |
Gorgeous token, daltonista! The "sheep in a sling" motif seems to have been used on quite a few coins and tokens. What is its significance?
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1057 Posts |
Hondo Boguss asked...
Quote:
The "sheep in a sling" motif seems to have been used on quite a few coins and tokens. What is its significance?
Absolutely, Hondo...I could easily come up with a half-dozen specimens of the suspended fleece from my own collection, and we actually had some discussion of these poor sheep on this forum a few years ago. See if this link works for you: https://goccf.com/t/408632
In a general sense, going back to ancient Greek mythology, this device has many symbolic meanings, and 17 of them (!!) are expansively enumerated for us on the Wikipedia web page headed "Golden Fleece."
However, over the last few hundred years in Britain and the USA it has come to signify some involvement in the textile and fabrics industry, from raising the livestock to weaving the kilts to putting the shirts on our backs.
To illustrate, here's a modern example you can see in big cities and at factory outlet malls everywhere! (Well, maybe everywhere in North America...)
 
"If everything seems to be under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--- Mario Andretti
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73579 Posts |
Very interesting information and token.  Errers and Varietys.
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Moderator
United States
187496 Posts |
Very nice and thank you for sharing! |
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Valued Member
Canada
138 Posts |
daltonista - very nice token, congrats Just yesterday I purchased this Norwich conder token, also depicting a golden fleece (pic borrowed from ebay as I haven't received it yet). I like it because it is very similar to the Newfoundland Rutherford tokens.   |
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Moderator
United States
187496 Posts |
Very nice! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1057 Posts |
Nice-looking rams, cedargrove! I've always admired the Harbour Grace token too.
If you want to expand your fleece collection, don't forget the Conders of Dunkirk, and also Leeds.
Here's another of the many ovine tokens from my collection, which is limited to the 1811-1820 Regency Period. This is an 1811 penny token issued by two noted businessmen from Bath in Somersetshire. Withers 18, gEF, RR.
"If everything seems to be under control, you're just not going fast enough."
--- Mario Andretti
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Moderator
United States
187496 Posts |
Nice example! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73579 Posts |
Nice tokens. Errers and Varietys.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9149 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
94636 Posts |
This is a very nice coin Dalt.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 799 |
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Posted 11/01/2025 09:44 am
