Lot 62
London , Strand, Philip Asley at the Lyceum (circus owner) Gilded Advertising Halfpenny (1795), Man dressed as…


British 18th and 19th Century Tokens | C25004
Auction: 1 October 2025 at 10:00 BST
Description
London , Strand, Philip Asley at the Lyceum (circus owner) Gilded Advertising Halfpenny (1795), Man dressed as Mercury standing on the back of a horse, rev. Man balancing on a sword on a table, edge. PAYABLE AT W. PARKERS OLD BIRMINGHAM WAREHOUSE, 29mm/9.06gm. (DH 362d). Extremely Fine or better, contemporary gilt just fading a bit on salient features.
Philip Astley’s ‘Equestrian Amphitheatre’ on Westminster Bridge Road had been badly damaged by fire in 1794 and so he came here, and rented the Lyceum in the Strand, whilst his own premises was rebuilt. This halfpenny token was issued to advertise the new location for his circus in 1795 and undoubtedly would have been spendable at the performance, or for that matter, anywhere else.


