Description:
English copper advertising token, 1843
Diameter 30mm
The obverse features the monogram of Benjamin Nightingale, 'BN', with the date below. The inscription around the outside reads 'BENJAMIN NIGHTINGALE, LONDON/ PRIVATE TOKEN'. The reverse features a seated female figure in classical robes. She holds the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, in her right hand and rests her right elbow on a row of bound books. At her side is a small jewellery cabinet with one door open revealing a series of little drawers, it stands on a small table. Below is a shield per pale, divided into two halves, bearing a rose. There is a branch at either side of the shield. The inscription around the outside reads 'Vilius est argentum auro, virtutibus aurum', meaning 'Silver is of less value than gold, gold than virtue'.