Obv: Bust of Spence, T. SPENCE 7 MONTHS IMPRISOND FOR HIGH TREASON around. Rev: Three citizens armed, WHO KNOW THEIR RIGHTS AND KNOWING DARE MAINTAIN around, 1795 in exergue. Edge: SPENCE * DEALER * IN * COINS * LONDON *.
Uncirculated and Choice. Some red remaining. Rare. Ex. Jan, ex. Bobbe.
Known as the first socialist, Thomas Spence was a thorn in the side of the crown during his time. His shop, ‘The Hive of Liberty’, was the source of his publication, ‘Pig’s Meat, or Lessons for the Swinish Multitude, Collected by the Poor Man’s Advocate’. After he declared bankruptcy, he sold his dies to Peter Skidmore, who would proceed to mule his dies with others, creating a whole different take on Spence’s dies. The reverse die was made about the same time that Volunteer Infantry and Cavalry Associations were being formed, but the inscription seems to suggest they might just use their arms against the crown!