2016-06-20 Mon

To celebrate the victory of several French Revolutionary Wars by the British Navy in 1797, a special Thanksgiving ceremony was conducted by King George III on 19th December, 1797 at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Davissons Ltd.’s e-auction that will be held on 20th July would be selling a token that was probably distributed to visitors who attended this ceremony. Many popular dukes and duchesses attended the ceremony which was considered to be grand and a significant event in England.

British tokens were used sometimes as a substitute for base metal coinage and as advertising material in the 18th century. There were several commemorative issues that were minted later on. The token that is set to be sold at the auction features the king on the obverse with an inscription suggesting that the owner of the token attended the event.

The reverse features the inscription “PROVIDENCE | THIS DAY ACKNOW | •LEDGED IN THE MA • | • NY SIGNAL VICTO • | • RIES OBTAINED | DURING THE | WAR”.

The token has an estimate value of $175 and is graded Good Extremely Fine.