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Charming 18th-century Middlesex farthing token issued by Pidcock’s Exeter Change, featuring exotic animals and used as both currency and advertising.
1 in stock
The Pidcock’s Exeter Change Farthing Token is a fascinating piece of late 18th-century British token coinage, issued privately in Middlesex during a time of small-change shortages. These tokens were produced by Gilbert Pidcock, a well-known showman who operated a famous travelling menagerie and later a permanent exhibition at Exeter Exchange (often called Exeter Change) on the Strand in London.
The obverse typically features an image of an elephant, one of the most iconic animals displayed in Pidcock’s menagerie, along with inscriptions referencing “PIDCOCK” and “EXETER CHANGE”. The design served both as currency and as advertising for the attraction, drawing public attention to the exotic animals on display.
The reverse usually depicts a variety of animals—often a lion, tiger, or other creatures—accompanied by the denomination “ONE FARTHING” and references to Middlesex. These tokens were widely used in everyday transactions due to the shortage of official small denomination coinage during the late 1700s.
Pidcock’s tokens are part of the broader 18th-century British token series, which are highly collectible today for their historical charm, detailed engravings, and insight into commercial life during the Industrial Revolution. The Exeter Change itself became famous for housing exotic animals in the heart of London before its demolition in the early 19th century.
Issuer: Gilbert Pidcock
Location: Middlesex (London)
Type: Farthing Token
Reference: Batty#457
Composition: Copper
Diameter: approx. 28–30 mm
Era: Late 18th century (c. 1790s)
(FB 30)
