Cambridge James Burleigh's copper penny token 1799:
Rare private token issued by James Burleigh. Engraver-Hancock. Manufacturer-Kempson.
Obv: + HOBSON . CAMBRIDGE . CARRIER + 1596 ,Thomas Hobson on horseback right, DIED 1630 AGED 86 in two lines below.
Rev: + JAMES BURLEIGHs TOKEN CAMBRIDGE + ,the handsome stone conduit erected by Thomas Hobson in the market-place, above HOBSON'S CONDUIT BUILT 1614., Hancock below.
Edge: VALUE ONE PENNY PAYABLE AT CAMBRIDGE X X X
Beautifully toned impaired proof-like surfaces, GEF though with many bag like marks and an unfortunate knock on the conduit and a graze by the E of CAMBRIDGE.
D&H 9

Thomas Hobson was born about 1583, and died in 1630. He succeeded to the business of his father, as carrier between Cambridge and London. He also kept a livery stable, and had about 40 horses. It was an unalterable rule that each horse should have an equal share of rest and work, and that no horse should be let out before its turn; hence the proverbial saying "Hobson's Choice".

Sold Jan 2012