not legal tender diameter 19,8 mm rare version (2%) see images for correct impression alloy token, issued by John Cooke and Sons, of London, between 1830 and 1940. It imitates a Venetian ducat. The obverse legend is fictitious and reads OVCHMEI (left anticlockwise); YCOC (centre vert.); IDOT NOCEN (right clockwise). The reverse legend alludes to the Issuer, John Cooke and Sons, and reads JOANNES ILLE COQVVS SVI FILIIQVE. It is normally struck on a pierced flan, with scalloped edges. This example however exhibits neither the piercing or the scalloped edges. It has a diameter 22.22 mm and is 0.64 mm thick. It weighs 1.2 grams. John Cooke and Sons issued imitation foreigns coins to advertise their stationary business off Cannon Street, London between AD 1830 and AD 1940. Several varieties are known and they seem to have been made in London, Birmingham and maybe also Africa. A parallel for this token has been found at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, under accession number CM.2430-2003.