Obv: View of gate, LUDGATE AS ENLARGE’D & C MCCCCLIIII around, TAKEN DOWN MDCCLXVI in exergue. Rev: Justice standing with scales and dagger, BRITISH. PENNY. TOKEN around, 1797 below. Edge: Plain.
NGC MS63RB. Original surfaces with a good amount of red remaining. ‘Lights in windows’ effect. Scarce. Penny. $250.
Ludgate was one of the most ancient gates of London, and probably named after King Lud, who predates the Christian era in England. It was damaged in the Great Fire of 1666, and was torn down in 1760. The statues of King Lud and Queen Elizabeth were placed in different locations after demolition.