An unusual and fascinating 1823 British ballooning token/advertising medallion, issued for Isaac Earlysman Sparrow, ironmonger of Bishopsgate, London.

The piece commemorates Sparrow’s balloon ascent with pioneering aeronaut Charles Green at Oxford on 23 June 1823. The Science Museum records Sparrow as an ironmonger, nail manufacturer and brassfounder who made the ascent with Green and subsequently issued tokens depicting the balloon.

One side features a portrait of Sparrow with the legend:

IRONMONGER BISHOPSGATE • LONDON

The other depicts the balloon ascent and reads:

ASCENDED AT OXFORD
JUNE 23 • 1823

The balloon carries the name SPARROW, with small flags bearing the initials S and G, representing Sparrow and Green.

Details:

* Date: 1823
* Isaac Earlysman Sparrow / Charles Green
* Oxford balloon ascent
* Bishopsgate, London
* Weight: 5.45 g
* Diameter: approx. 23 mm
* Obliquely milled edge
* Copper/bronze appearance
* Believed reference: Withers 2840 / Batty 401
* Often catalogued as a farthing-sized token, although it may have been produced primarily as an advertising/commemorative piece rather than circulating currency.

The token is in circulated condition with age-related wear, marks and patination. There is very good remaining detail, including clear legends, portrait, balloon design, date and edge milling.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Please note: I am not a coin/token expert. The identification and attribution above are based on my best research and are not guaranteed. Buyers should study all photographs carefully and make their own assessment regarding identification, attribution, authenticity, variety and condition before purchasing.