(THOMAS PAINE), Rare Small Size “End of Pain” Token in Copper, “MAY THE KNAVE OF JACOBIN CLUBS NEVER GET A TRICK”, 20.5 mm, Choice Uncirculated.
20.5 mm. British Farthing Token in Copper, struck circa 1790, featuring a man hanging from a gallows (Thomas Paine) on the obverse and the legend “END OF PAIN”, alluding to Thomas Paine. The reverse legend reads: “MAY THE KNAVE OF JACOBIN CLUBS NEVER GET A TRICK”. This example is choice Uncirculated with about 10% original mint red seen highlighting the devices, while the balance of the surfaces having toned to a glossy lustrous brown.

Thomas Paine’s history is a twisted one. He was born in England, came to America to help out with the cause for Independence, returned to England, fled to France, where he became a citizen, was imprisoned, released, and died. He was buried in New Rochelle, NY; his remains were later returned to England, where they were lost. His contribution to the American Revolution was immense - sales of his “Common Sense” pamphlet added huge amounts to supporting the Continental Congress, and the American Revolutionary cause. While Paine benefited mainly from an increase in reputation. The British wrath against Paine is exemplified in this token.
The "End of Pain" legend is a pun on the surname of Thomas Paine. These tokens were produced during a period when Paine was reviled in England for his anti-monarchical views, as clearly indicated by the gallows motif on the obverse.

These tokens are attributed to Thomas Spence, a London coin dealer, and were not intended for general circulation. Although the Dalton and Hamer reference attributes the design to Spence, it is likely a Thomas Skidmore creation.