James Conder facts for kids

James Conder (born 1761, died 1823) was an English businessman. He was also a numismatist, which means he studied and collected coins. He is famous for two main reasons. First, special coins called Conder Tokens are named after him. Second, an amazing collection of old coins, known as the Ipswich Hoard, was found right under his house after he died!

About James Conder

His Early Life

James Conder was the youngest of seven sons. His father, John Conder, was a pastor. James was born in Mile End, London. He went to school in Ware. Later, a minister named Mr. French taught him.

This is the front (obverse) of a token made by James Conder.

This is the back (reverse) of a token made by James Conder.

Businessman and Coin Expert

Conder owned a drapery business in Ipswich. A drapery business sells cloth and fabrics. He became one of the first people to study and list 18th-century copper coins. These coins were not made by the government. Instead, businesses made them to use as money. Today, these special coins are often called Conder Tokens.

James Conder wrote the first important book about these tokens. It was the main source of information for almost 100 years. The book was called An arrangement of Provincial Coins, tokens, and medalets issued in Great Britain, Ireland, and the colonies, within the last twenty years, from the farthing to the penny size. It was published in 1798.

Conder did not just study these tokens; he also made his own! He used them to advertise his drapery business. At that time, the British government did not make many low-value coins. But people needed small change for everyday shopping. So, many businesses started making their own coins. The token shown here was made by Conder's business. It says "Payable at Conder's Drapery Warehouse Ipswich." The other side shows "Ipswich Cross" and the date 1794.

Historian and Family Researcher

James Conder also knew a lot about the history of churches. He planned to write a book about them. He also helped Mr. Wilson write a book about churches in the London area.

Conder also finished a family history book called The Conder Family. His father, John Conder, had started it. James added details about his father's life. He then published the book under his father's name.

His Death

James Conder died in 1823. He was buried in a meeting house in Tacket Street in Ipswich.

The Ipswich Coin Hoard

Something very interesting happened 40 years after James Conder died. His house in Ipswich was being torn down. Workers found a hidden treasure! It was a collection of Anglo-Saxon coins. The coins were buried ten feet under his doorstep!

The Conder Family Legacy

The Conder family, starting with James's father, John Conder, has had many important members. James Conder's nephew was Josiah Conder. Josiah was a well-known writer, editor, and a leader in the movement to end slavery.