18th Aug, 2026 10:00
Out of the Ordinary
105
A Mrs Newsham 'The White Negress' halfpenny token
1795,
depicting a standing portrait of Mrs Newsham as presented by Thomas Hall, with the words 'Mrs Newsham The White Negress', the reverse 'To be had at the Curiosity House City Road' and 'Near Finsbury Square London 1795'
3cm diameter
Footnote:Amelia Newsham was born in Jamaica to enslaved parents, and was exploited for her albinism as a curiosity from an early age. In 1753, she was taken to London by her enslaver, Sir Simon Clarke, and sold for 400 guineas with the approval of his son, Kingsmill Clarke. She later came under the ownership of John Bennett (or Burnet), who exhibited her widely at fairs across Britain, as well as at private viewings for the Royal Family and the Royal Society. Contemporary observers remarked on her pale skin and white hair, likened in colour and texture to sheep's wool. By the 1790s, she was being displayed by Thomas Hall in London, and in 1798, one exhibition in West Ham reportedly caused public disorder. Amelia later married an Englishman and had six children.
Though subjected to severe exploitation, Amelia eventually gained her freedom and capitalised on her notoriety, touring independently and charging visitors 'A penny a look'. A record from 1824 includes the poem with which she greeted her audience:
'My nose, my lips, my features, all explore;
The just resemblance of a blackamore;
And on my head the silver-coloured wool;
Gives further demonstration clear and full;
This curious age may with amazement view;
What after ages won't believe is true.'
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Witches, Monsters and Mysteries
Browse the selection of lots in the 'Witches, Monsters and Mysteries' category featured in our 18 August 'Out of the Ordinary' auction.
£150 - £200
Buyer's premium: 32.40% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
The token shows wear in its centre. There's a minor die crack visible, which seems to be on every example of this token. Detail remains excellent. Light scratching. The toothing around the edge of the coin is very good indeed.
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Auction: Out of the Ordinary, 18th Aug, 2026
Viewing
VIEWING
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 14 August, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 16 August, 10am - 1pm
Monday 17 August, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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