Alistair Mackay Coins

Swiss Benevolent Society, London, sixpence, c.1860.
Obverse: SOCIETE MUTUELLE DES SUISSES A LONDRES, Swiss cross.
Reverse: FONDEE LE 27 DECEMBRE 1703 around 6 PENCE.
Edge plain.
Diameter: 29mm
Manufacturer: W J Taylor?
The Swiss Benevolent Society came about with the amalgamation in 1718 of the Societe des Suisse (founded 1703) and the Societe des Genevois, taking the name Societe de Secours Mutuel des Suisses a Londres. Its aim was to render mutual aid to its members in case of illness, convalescence and old age.
In 1870 the name was changed to Fonds de Secours pour les Suisses Pauvres a Londres so this token presumably predates this change.
It is not known exactly how the tokens were used, but obviously they were largess given out to Swiss citizens in financial distress in London. This token form of handout ensured that the sixpence could only be spent on nourishment or a bed bas it would only be acceptable in nominated places.

Treated myself to this from the Comber sale yesterday, something I've wanted to own for years :)

Burns, Edward: The Coinage of Scotland, illustrated from the cabinet of Thomas Coats, Esq., of Ferguslie and other collections, 3 volumes III [I & II text; III illustration plates and descriptions of the figures], quarto, half-leather, t.e.g, Edinburgh, 1887, in an edition of 500 copies, in excellent order, scarce (3)

Another new addition to my library! Thanks to Lee Toone.

Commonwealth halfcrown.

Obv. THE.COMMONWEALTH.OF.ENGLAND Shield of England within a wreath of palm and laurel, symbolising the peace brought about by the victory of the Commonwealth. Initial mark sun.

Rev. GOD . WITH . VS . 1653, conjoined shields of England and Ireland, .II.VI. above.
14.83gm 35mm

The unusual design of the commonwealth coinage sparked off satire in Royalist circles - "The Commonwealth is on one side and God on the other" and the conjoined shields on the reverse were interpreted as breeches to cover the 'Rump Parliament'

Recently had trouble tracking down some Merovingian coins so have treated myself to the facsimile edition of de Belfort, five nice fat volumes, 6704 coins described and illustrated! I've now totally run out of bookshelf space and no room for any more, I'm going to have dispose of some non-numismatic books :(

Tyrol, zwanziger (adlergroschen), Meinhard II and his sons (1274-1306). Obv. +COMES+TIROL, eagle. Rev. ME/IN/AR/DVS, saltire over long cross. 22mm, 1.56gm.
£45 posted to UK, for overseas postage please ask.

A plea for help! I can't track this one down, came in with a fairly large lot of Southern Gaulish coins, Massalia, Nemausus, Volcae, Cabellio etc. but I can't find this one. Obv. stylised bird. Rev. looks like a peacock in hand but more like a bee in the photo. Thanks in anticipation. 2.76gm. 16mm.

Nemausus (Nimes), AE as. 9-3 B.C.

Obv. IMP DIVI F above and below heads of Agrippa, laureate wearing rostral crown, and Augustus, laureate, back to back.

Rev. COL NEM, crocodile right chained to palm tree.
27mm, 12.02gm RPC 524

The reverse type might seem odd for Nimes, but refers to the conquest of Egypt and its reduction to a Roman province. It can be assumed that veterans of this campaign would have been settled in this recently founded colony

Another token with added numismatic interest.
Warwickshire, Birmingham, William Lutwyche, halfpenny.

Obv. LUTWYCHES MANUFACTORY, a coining press. BIRMINGHAM in exergue.
Rev. MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS, Moneta seated left, holding scales and emptying a cornucopiae of coins, behind her a shield resting on a column and inscribed ENGRAVING / DIE / SINKING. DEA PECUNIA in exergue.
Edge: diagonally milled.
D&H 219, 31mm, 14.92 gm