“4. A Brass, or base Copper Token,—Farthing size: Obverse, a Dog, Legend,—‘Joseph Brocket,’—Reverse,—‘Bridgfoot Southwark. B.IM.’
“5. A Copper Token,—Farthing size: Obverse, a Bear passant, chained, Legend,—‘Cornelivs. Cook. at. the’—Reverse,—‘Beare. at. the. Bridg. fot. C.CA.’
“6. A Brass Token,—Farthing size: Obverse, a Lion rampant, Legend,—‘At. the. Whit. Lyon,’—Reverse,—‘Neir London Bridge. C.T.A.’
“7. A Copper Token,—Farthing size: Obverse, a Sugar loaf, Legend,—‘Henry. Phillips, at.’—Reverse,—‘Bridg. Foot. Sovthwark. P.H.S.’
“Such, then, are some specimens of the Tradesmen’s Tokens current on London Bridge; and though they are sufficiently rude in their workmanship, and base in their metal, yet with some collectors, they are of a far greater degree of rarity, and of value too, than the handsomest modern silver coin you could present them with. You will observe, however, that I have noticed those Tokens only, on which the Bridge is actually mentioned; but an extensive list of such as were issued in Southwark, will be found in Messrs. Manning’s and Bray’s ‘History of Surrey,’ already referred to, volume iii., Appendix, pages cxi-cxv. Let me add too, that my authorities for these historical notices of coins, have been ‘An Essay on Medals,’ by John Pinkerton, London, 1789, octavo, volume i.; and ‘Annals of the Coinage of Britain,’ by the Rev. Rogers Ruding, London, 1819, octavo, volume iii., pages 127, 319, 324, volume iv., page 61. I must not, however, conclude these particulars of the numismatic reliques of London Bridge, without observing to you that there are some Medalets also extant, commemorative of its buildings. Of these coins we find a list in James Conder’s elegant volumes, entitled ‘An Arrangement of Provincial Coins, Tokens, and Medalets, issued in Great Britain, Ireland, and the Colonies, within the last twenty years, from the farthing to the penny size.’ Ipswich, 1798, octavo. Medalets, you know, Mr. Postern, are of that description of coins which were struck by the Romans, and used for scattering to the people upon solemn occasions: and those of which I am now speaking are of the class distinguished by bearing the representation of public buildings. In volume i., pages 72 and 73, of Mr. Conder’s work, are mentioned the following Medalets of London Bridge, of the penny size, executed by P. Kempson.
No. 40. A Bronzed or Copper Medalet: Obverse, a view of a Bridge, Legend,—‘London Bridge the first of stone, compleated 1209.’ Legend on the Exergue,—‘The houses on the Bridge taken down, and the Bridge repair’d, 1758.’—Reverse, a figure of Britannia with spear and shield, seated on a rock, holding an olive-branch;—Legend, indented on a raised circle round the field, ‘British Penny Token.’ On the Exergue a cypher ‘P.K.—MDCCXCVII.’ Legend on the edge,—‘I promise to pay on demand the Bearer one Penny.’
No. 47. A Bronzed or Copper Medalet: Obverse, an ancient gateway,—Legend,—‘Bridge Gate as rebuilt 1728.’—Legend on the Exergue, ‘Taken down, 1766.’ Reverse, an upright figure of Justice. Legend and date on the rim as before.