c. 1688
AMERICAN
PLANTATIONS TOKEN -
ORIGINAL
Variety equivalents:
Breen 77
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Images courtesy of Ira
& Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.
Significant examples:
PCGS MS-62 (illustrated above). Ex - Paul Arthur Norris - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins
& Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23
& 24, 2002, Lot 20, illustrated, where it was described as follows:
"PCGS graded MS-62. These were struck for circulation in the New
England and New York areas, which at the time of issue (around 1688), were
plantation colonies of England. They were coined at the Tower Mint in
London, using at least six obverse dies and seven reverse dies. Coinage
weights were uncertain, but evidently these were struck at 50 to the
pound, and worth the stated value of 1/24 of a Spanish Real. Later they
were changed into "Proclamation Money" where they were worth 1½
Farthings, and often circulated at double face value in the Colonies. All
examples are rare, and most show the familiar "tin pesting" as
seen here, despite being of mint state quality. PCGS has graded only 6
coins this high, and none higher, making this as nice as these are ever
found. An important, and rare colonial issue for the specialist...This particular coin is an original example, and shows no trace
of the obverse die break."
PCGS MS-62 (illustrated
below -- mis-attributed as a "Sideways 4" variety). Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins
& Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23
& 24, 2002, Lot 21, illustrated, where it was described as follows:
"PCGS graded MS-62. As nice as this issue is ever found, the
surfaces show only the slightest tin pesting which appears as roughness.
The original tin planchet shows bright white areas in the protected areas
of the devices and lettering, with the open fields and upper devices a
light gray color. Sharply struck and well preserved for the issue."
Recent appearances:
PCGS MS-60. Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s
"The Benson Collection - Part I", February 16, 18-20,
2001, Lot 8 at $1,725.00, where it was described as follows: "(1688) James
II Plantation Token tin farthing. PCGS graded MS-60. These tokens were the
first coinage authorized for the British Colonies in North America. They
are struck in pure tin, and always have rough surfaces. Boldly impressed
by the dies, with details on the rampant horseman and with flecks of tin
showing through the dark patina on the reverse on the upper devices. Rare
in this grade, only 2 have been so graded with 3 higher by PCGS." -
Early American History Auctions, Inc.'s June 9, 2001 Mail Bid Sale, Lot
1219
"Fine." Early American History Auctions, Inc.'s June 9, 2001 Mail Bid Sale, Lot
1220, where it was described as follows: "(1688) American Plantations
Token 1/24 Part Real, Original, Fine. 127.9 grains. The obverse
of this piece matches that of Breen-81, but because of surface granularity
it is impossible to determine if the 4 is stamped normally or sideways.
Both sides show nice details, some scattered surface marks, some
granularity, plus some rim dings and bruises. Nevertheless, these are hard
to find nice because of the chemically active nature of the metal blanks
on which these were struck."
"Very Good". Ex - George Bauer
"Auction XVII", December 15, 1945, Lot 265, sold for $5.35 - John Jay
Pittman - David Akers Numismatics, Inc. "John Jay Pittman Collection
- Part One", October 21-23, 1997, Lot 113, not illustrated, "Breen
77...144.3 grains...considerable corrosion on both sides, particularly
near the rim."
Sources and/or
recommended reading:
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