(sold for $21.0)

1812, Great Britain,    Gloucestershire, Cheltenham. Copper "John Bishop & Co." Penny Token.

Mint Year: 1812 Reference: W 673, Davis 15. Condition: Minor deposits, light scratches and hits, otherwise VF-XF! Denomination: Penny Token - Bishop & Co. (Gloucestershir, Cheltenham) Weight: 18.53gm Material: Copper Diameter: 34mm

Obverse: View of St Mary’s church in Cheltenham with trees at sides. Legend: VALUE ONE PENNY   Reverse: Inscription in six lines (A POUND NOTE FOR 240 TOKENS GIVEN BY JOHN BISHOP & Co. CHELTENHAM) above date (1812).

In the study of numismatics, tokens are coin-like objects used instead of coins. The field of tokens is part of exonumia. Tokens are used in place of coins and either have a denomination shown or implied by size, color or shape. "Tokens" are often made of cheaper metals: copper, pewter, aluminium, brass and tin were commonly used, while bakelite, leather, porcelain, and other less durable materials are also known. The key point of difference between a token and a coin is that a coin is issued by a governmental local or national authority and is freely exchangeable for goods or other coins, whereas a token has a much more limited use and is often (but not always) issued by a private company, group, association or individual. In the case of "currency tokens" issued by a company but also recognized by the State there is a convergence between tokens and currency.

Cheltenham Minster, St Mary's (Grid reference: SO 947225) is a minster and the parish church of Cheltenham.

Cheltenham (/ˈtʃɛltənəm/) is a regency spa town and borough on the edge of the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Gloucestershire, England. Cheltenham has been a health and holiday spa town resort since the discovery of mineral springs in 1716 and has a number of internationally renowned and historic schools.

The town hosts several festivals of culture, often featuring nationally and internationally famous contributors and attendees, including the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the Cheltenham Science Festival, the Cheltenham Music Festival the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, and the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival. In steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup is the main event of the Cheltenham Festival, held every March.