Obv: Bust of Thelwall, JOHN THELWALL around, JAMES below. Rev: Figure of Minerva standing, TRUTH FOR MY HELM & JUSTICE FOR MY SHIELD around. Edge: SPENCE X DEALER X IN X COINS X LONDON X.
Uncirculated and Choice Red & brown. Glossy and reflective. Slightly off-struck.
At the time of the French Revolution, Thelwall was very active politically, arguing for a more democratic Parliament, social reform, and freedom of speech. This resulted in him being tried for treason in 1794. After being found not guilty by his jury, he would lecture at political rallies which drew giant crowds, again attracting the government’s attention, which led them to pass Acts of Parliament making these meetings illegal.