The Case of the Lazy Engraver

441, Lot: 616. Estimate $75. Sold for $80. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

TOKENS, Kent. Maidstone. CU Halfpenny (28mm, 9.18 g, 6h). Dated 1795. MAIDSTONE above, HALFPENNY below, borough of Maidstone arms with supporters / PAYABLE BY J. SMYTH AT PADSOLE PAPER MILL 1795, view of a paper mill. Edge: Milled \\\\\\. D&H 37. EF, brown surfaces, a few marks. This token was engraved by what is perhaps the laziest engraver in the series. The obverse coat of arms is supported by two figures, however when it came time to engrave their respective limbs holding up the coat of arms, the engraver simply stopped his work and gave them each stumps. Perhaps he had reached the allotted amount of time he was paid for the work?

From the Quentin Brisley Collection of British Tokens.