Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 494 23 Jun 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
TOKENS, Warwickshire. Birmingham. Isaac Perrins, bareknuckle boxer and engineer. Circa 1751-1800. CU Penny Token (34mm, 18.81 g, 11h). Dated 1789. ISAAC PERRINS, bust right / STRENGTH AND MAGNANIMITY, BELLA!/ HORRIDA BELLA! within wreath; 1789 in exergue. D&H 13. Brown surfaces, some scratches. VF.
Perrins' contemporary fame was primary a result of his career as a bareknuckle boxer, and this piece may have been struck to advertise or commemorate his fight with Tom Johnson on 22 October 1789. For his day job, Perrins was employed by Matthew Boulton as a foreman. He was frequently sent around the country as an industrial spy, to ensure the firm's competitors were not breaching their patents.
Perrins' contemporary fame was primary a result of his career as a bareknuckle boxer, and this piece may have been struck to advertise or commemorate his fight with Tom Johnson on 22 October 1789. For his day job, Perrins was employed by Matthew Boulton as a foreman. He was frequently sent around the country as an industrial spy, to ensure the firm's competitors were not breaching their patents.