Political and Social Series, Choral Fund Halfpenny, 1791 (D&H Middlesex 1021 Obv: A bust in profile to left. Around the perimeter G. F. HANDEL. I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVITH. Rev: An inscription in the center BENEVOLENT CHORAL FUND INSTITUTED 1791 and around the perimeter FOR ITS DECAY'D WIDOWS AND ORPHANS . Edge: Plain (Conder p.224, 116; Atkins p. 370, 104; D&H Middlesex 1021)
Very choice, toned and faded red uncirculated. The center of the reverse a bit softly struck up per usual.
This token may have been issued by the organisers of the fund as a means of raising money. Handel died in 1759 and the use of his name in connection with a choral fund appeal indicates the continuing popularity of his music. The quotation is from the ‘Messiah’ and the book of Job [19:25].