Gift of Jessica Linker, 2017., Obverse: "J. Lackington / [Bust of Lackington, facing front left] / 1794” Reverse: Central figure of a Fame blowing a trumpet surrounded by two-line inscription "Halfpenny of Lackington, Allen & Co." / "Cheapest booksellers in the world." "Edge lettered "Payable at the Temple of the Muses * / * / * " James Lackington opened his first bookstall in London in 1773 and issued his first catalog in 1779. The firm later was known as Lackington, Allan & Co. and occupied a large premises, "The Temple of the Muses," in Finsbury Square, London. According to his published "Confessions" (1804), he made the business wholly over to his cousin, George Lackington, in 1798. Tokens such as these were issued in many places in England between 1787 and 1800 when the government failed to mint enough copper coinage for the conduct of business.
Gift of Jessica Linker, 2017., Obverse: "J. Lackington / [Bust of Lackington, facing front left] / 1794” Reverse: Central figure of a Fame blowing a trumpet surrounded by two-line inscription "Halfpenny of Lackington, Allen & Co." / "Cheapest booksellers in the world." "Edge lettered "Payable at the Temple of the Muses * / * / * " James Lackington opened his first bookstall in London in 1773 and issued his first catalog in 1779. The firm later was known as Lackington, Allan & Co. and occupied a large premises, "The Temple of the Muses," in Finsbury Square, London. According to his published "Confessions" (1804), he made the business wholly over to his cousin, George Lackington, in 1798. Tokens such as these were issued in many places in England between 1787 and 1800 when the government failed to mint enough copper coinage for the conduct of business.
