Pears' Soap Countermark on 1884 French 10 Centime
Offered is a late-issue 1884 Pears’ Soap countermarked French 10 Centime. Interestingly, these advertising tokens were outlawed by Act of Parliament in the mid 1880s because the pieces were passing as a penny and had become a public nuisance. Indeed, Pears sold 14 for a shilling - 12 pence - to bus and tram conductors, who gave them out in change as a Penny, thusly making 2d on the deal. Although CMs are known on pieces as late as 1885, the vast majority of Pears tokens were produced with much older coppers of Napoleon III, with hosts of this period / condition being rare. A fantastic example for the specialized collector.
Offered is a late-issue 1884 Pears’ Soap countermarked French 10 Centime. Interestingly, these advertising tokens were outlawed by Act of Parliament in the mid 1880s because the pieces were passing as a penny and had become a public nuisance. Indeed, Pears sold 14 for a shilling - 12 pence - to bus and tram conductors, who gave them out in change as a Penny, thusly making 2d on the deal. Although CMs are known on pieces as late as 1885, the vast majority of Pears tokens were produced with much older coppers of Napoleon III, with hosts of this period / condition being rare. A fantastic example for the specialized collector.
Offered is a late-issue 1884 Pears’ Soap countermarked French 10 Centime. Interestingly, these advertising tokens were outlawed by Act of Parliament in the mid 1880s because the pieces were passing as a penny and had become a public nuisance. Indeed, Pears sold 14 for a shilling - 12 pence - to bus and tram conductors, who gave them out in change as a Penny, thusly making 2d on the deal. Although CMs are known on pieces as late as 1885, the vast majority of Pears tokens were produced with much older coppers of Napoleon III, with hosts of this period / condition being rare. A fantastic example for the specialized collector.