Obv: Two barristers standing, holding a banner which reads BILL OF RIGHTS, banner above them reads MAGNA CHARTA, ERSKINE AND GIBBS AND TRIAL BY JURY around. Rev: T. HARDY I.H. TOOKE. T. HOLCROFT. I.A. BONNEY. J. JOYCE. S. KID. J THELWALL. I. RICHTER. I. BAXTER. 1794. (In nine lines). Edge: Engrailed.
NGC MS65BN. Proof-like with very bright mirrors. Fading Red and Choice Gem. Ex. Cory Collins. Ex. Harker.
While Erskine & Gibbs both had very long careers, they came from very different backgrounds and only briefly worked together on the London Corresponding Society trials. This brief meeting would make history and launch both men’s careers. Gibbs earned the nickname ‘Vinegar’ Gibbs due to his sharp wit and was educated at Eton and Cambridge. Gibbs would also defend Winterbotham on Sedition charges while Erskine would famously defend Thomas Paine.