| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_796-1-1 AE |
| Subject | : | Claude Martin - Type One |
| Size | : | 25.7 mm |
| Metal | : | Copper |
| Year | : | 1796 |
| Description | : | obv. Bust of Major-General Claude Martin, left, around top border : LABORE ET . CONSTANTIA, below bus : C.L.M, rev. Urdu inscription : HONOURED IN THE STATE, EXALTED IN THE KINGDOM, DISTINGUISHED NOBLE GENERAL CLAUDE MARTIN, THE BRAVE, COURAGEOUS IN BATTLE.
On the obverse ET and CONSTANTIA are separated by a large knob and a small knob. The small knob has a dash at top and bottom, a way of denoting one half. (These dots were called knobs in the correspondence between Martin’s representatives and the Soho Mint).
Until recently these tokens were thought to be medals. David Vice in Format 37 (Format of Birmingham) The Indian Token Coinage of Major-General Claude Martin has done the definitive research on these pieces in the records of the Soho Mint, Birmingham. The original order for the four different size tokens (probably meant to represent mohurs, rupees and fractions thereof) was given to Soho Mint. Conrad Kuchler designed the bust and the striking of this smallest token had taken place before the order was withdrawn from the Soho Mint and awarded to Alexander McKenzie. |
