1788 Warwickshire, Birmingham 1 • Lady Seated Giving Alms/BWH Cypher

[Larry]

1788 Warwickshire, Birmingham 1 • Lady Seated Giving Alms to Man and Boy/Cypher, Birmingham Work House

This is an unusual Conder Token. Whereas most Conder Tokens are farthings, halfpennies, or one penny tokens, this is a half crown with a value of two shillings and sixpence. It was worth 30 one penny tokens, or 60 halfpenny tokens, or 120 farthings.

It was silvered during striking. It may have been struck multiple times to apply the silvering.  Tokens of this variety were also struck in copper, brass and silver.

The lady seated on the obverse is giving alms to two men.

On the reverse is a cypher, BWH, standing for Birmingham Work House -- not a prison, but a place where folks could receive shelter and food, and work at jobs within the facility.

A silvered example would probably have been made for sale to a coin dealer or as a gift to a friend of the owner or Mr.  Welch, the manager, or perhaps to a wealthy benefactor/sponsor. Copper coins were normally struck for use within the workhouse. Some were probably used to pay debts outside.

[FilthyBroke]

I don't recall ever seeing a silvered Conder before, thanks for sharing!

[BCNumismatics]

Larry,
  That's a very nice 1/2 Crown coin that you've got there.

FilthyBroke,this is the forerunner of the silver currency tokens of 1811-16 - of which I do have a few of in my collection (mostly 1/- ones).

Aidan.

[Larry]

I've added more of the Birmingham DH 1 variety, some silvered or gilt, plus a countermarked piece, DH 1a.
I'll include larger photos of the original silvered piece.

Silvered DH 1



Gilt DH 1



Gilt DH 1



Brass DH 1



Silvered Copper DH 1a, with W countermarks

[BCNumismatics]

Larry,
  Those are amazing!

Aidan.