Great Britain ND (ca 1790) Halfpenny Conder Token, Middlesex, Halls, Toucan-Artist DH-319c MS63BN PCGS. Obv. A toucan sitting on a tree branch (although the token is mounted reverse-side-up in the slab). TO THE CURIOUS OBSERVERS OF NATURAL PHENOMENA. Rev. In four lines in the center, THE FIRST ARTIST IN EUROPE. Around in a double circle, T. HALL PRESERVER OF BIRDS BEASTS OR REPTILES CITTY ROAD NEAR FINSBURY SQUARE. Milled edge.
The great-beaked toucan on the obverse makes this particular Conder issue perennially popular, just like the Pidcock’s lion and birds (Middlesex DH-414/415). The surfaces on this piece are a lovely mix of bluish-purple and red-orange, with a bold strike through the crucial (and interesting) central details. The planchet was a tad off-center when this piece was struck, so there is more denticulation visible at the upper obverse rim than at the lower. Comes with old-time collector’s envelope from Schwer Coins in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
