Middlesex D&H 1025 Hardy

Obv: Bust facing left, TRIED FOR HIGH TREASON around, T. HARDY 1794 in exergue. Rev: ACQUITTED BY HIS JURY COUNSEL HON.T. ERSKINE GIBBS ESQR. in six lines. Edge: Plain. Extremely Fine. Struck from rusty obverse die.  By trade, Thomas Hardy was a shoemaker, but he was also the secretary to the London Corresponding Society. This secret society advocated for reform of parliament, but also insurrection, with dreams of establishing a republic in England. He was arrested for treason but acquitted after an eight day trial. This token celebrates his acquittal and his attorney Thomas Erskine. A great political token.