EXECUTION SCENES IN NUMISMATICS

Since this week is Halloween, I wanted to dig into the dark side of numismatics and share with you some tokens that have an ominous past. These tokens were privately struck/minted in the late 18th century and early 19th century by companies in England, Anglesey, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Increasing populations and the Industrial Revolution created a shortage in small denomination coinage, and employees needed to be paid. Also, with the French Revolution still taking place at this time, tensions were high, and there was a hatred for many political figures at the time. One of these political figures was Thomas Paine. Born in England, in 1737, Thomas grew up to become a Philosopher, Author, and Political activist and even motivated the patriots to declare independence from Britain in 1776. Below are some examples of how Great Britain felt towards Thomas Paine and others.

Obverse: Thomas Paine hanging from a gibbet with a church in the distance, “END OF PAIN” inscribed above.

Reverse: An upside-down cross with the word “FRATERNITY” inscribed below. “FRENCH REFORM” inscribed around “1797”. Above “REGICIDE, ROBBERY, FALSITY, REQUISITION” Are inscribed in the waves coming from the cross.

Obverse: Thomas Paine’s head looking right connected to the devil looking left. "EVEN FELLOWS" written below.

Reverse: Thomas Paine hanging, above an all-seeing eye looking forward with "End OF" inscribed around to the left of Thomas Paine’s initials "TP". A structure in the distance with the flag of England hanging down.

Obverse: Three figures hanging from a Gibbet "NOTED ADVOCATES FOR THE RIGHTS OF MEN" Around and 1796 below. This image is most likely Thomas pain and others who supported the revolution.

Reverse: "A WAY TO PREVENT KNAVES GETTING A TRICK" inscribed on the reverse. This text refers to a dishonest man trying to outwit or deceive someone.

To read the complete article, see:
The Dark Side of Numismatics – Scenes of Executions (https://www.pcgs.com/news/the-dark-side-of-numismatics-scenes-of-executions)

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