1890/63

Sketchley Prince of Wales Halfpenny Token.

Date:- 1794 - Classification:- Token/ Penny; Miscellaneous

Country of Origin:- England -

Description

"Sit Lux et Lux Fuit. Wisdom Strength Beauty";

There are a great number of varieties of this token, the dies differing principally in the form of the clouds or the rays on the reverse, or the position of the letters, or the dots after them on both obverse and reverse. The lettering of the inscription on the edge also varies in like manner. Many of the following, are mentioned in Batty’s Catalogue of the Copper Coinage of Great Britain, Ireland, &c.

Obverse.—A shield bearing on a field gules, a chevron between three castles argent; on the chevron a pair of compasses extended. Crest, a dove proper on a sphere; supporters, two beavers proper. Motto, on a ribbon beneath the shield, “Amor, Honor, et Justitia.” Legend, “24 Nov. 1790 Prince of Wales Elected G.M.” This was doubtless intended to represent the arms of the Society of Freemasons, as used by the Grand Lodge of England before the union, which, as given by Burke, differ from the above in having the field sable and no motto.

Reverse.—A triangle, within which is an angel, resting his left hand on a plumb and pointing with his right to the letter G within the upper angle, from which issue rays. Behind the angel are clouds; in the lower corners ofthe triangle are the square and compasses on the right, and a book on the left; at his feet a gavel, trowel, &c.; around the sides of the triangle Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Legend, “Sit, lnx et lnx fnit.” On the edge, sunken, “Masonic token J. Sketchley fecit 1794.” Copper.

Properties

Copper