1 Farthing - Ascended at Oxford June

Reverse

Two men (one waving a flag with S on it, the other with G on it - for Sparrow and Green) in an ascending hot air balloon with the word SPARROW across it. Lettering around, date below. Toothed border
NOTE: There is a version with just 1823 below

Script: Latin

Lettering:
ASCENDED AT OXFORD
· JUNE 23 · 1823 ·
SPARROW

Engraver: Thomas Wyon

Edge

Obliquely milled ////

Comment

1823 Copper Farthing Token: The date makes this rather late for a token, as tokens were outlawed after 1813. This piece has no indication of its value other than its size. It may have been intended as an advertising medallion (so a type of souvenir bought at aeronautic events), rather than a true token. It was issued by Sparrow, a London ironmonger - as a memento of his daring.
 The balloon had been used as a symbol of Empire during the Victorian period, and Charles Green, a Victorian scientific figure, is interesting to study through portraiture and caricatures of the period. A figure of the Victorian romantic and a courageous aeronaut.
 Isaac Earlysman Sparrow paid 50 Shillings to aeronaut Charles Green (a famous balloonist of the time) for the privilege of being allowed to encounter the perils of the voyage. They ascended from Oxford in a balloon on 23 June 1823 amid cheers from the crowd. Mr Green let the ballast go and the balloon hit a chimney and nearly threw the men out. The balloon did indeed crash land and both men were injured. A very interesting early manned balloon flight.
 Isaac Earlysman Sparrow 1793-1830 - ironmonger, nail manufacturer, brassfounder - London, England.
Withers# 2850