Large copper Schooling REWARD token, mid 17th.c, Man beating ass. Very Rare

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Large copper Schooling REWARD token, mid 17th.c, Man beating ass. Very Rare Description Copper Schooling reward token / prize, mid 17th. century. Obverse : man reaching up to the sky to receive a laurel wreath from an arm reaching out of the heavens, flower on a mound to left. 'DIGNA DIGNIS EVENIVNT', You get what you deserve . Reverse : Man whipping a donkey or ass whilst above right, a heavenly arm hands down a laurel wreath, 'DIGNA DIGNIS EVENIVNT', You get what you deserve . Little is known about these pieces - whether they were just a prize or merit - or whether they had any purchasing . Originally lumped together with 17th. century tokens - and consigned by Williamson to the back of his magnus opus under the title 'Uncertain Tokens' they still remain a bit of a mystery. However, they are most likely some sort of school reward and from the style of dress of the little man they are mid 17th. century. Is this piece appearing to suggest that one's due deserves are not only gained from good behaviour or good effort ? The animal on the reverse looks pretty maltreated yet why is his whip wielding master being rewarded with an accommodation ? Or does it mean that the lazy, stubborn ass is getting its due reward ? Curious ! These copper examples are often found quite worn which suggests they saw quite a lot of handling - perhaps read more

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