(1688) 1/24RL American Plantations Original MS(PCGS#49)

November 2017 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4016

等级

AU58

价格

27,049

详细说明

Undated (1688) American Plantations Token, or 1/24 Part Real. Original. Newman 4-E, W-1155. Rarity-5. AU-58 (PCGS). This is an appealing example of this conditionally challenging early colonial era type. Both sides exhibit pewter and dove gray patina, and the surfaces are far smoother in overall appearance than typically encountered. Environmental damage is minimal, in fact, and largely confined to the top of the horse's hind legs, over the leading rear hoof, and on the reverse at the left corner of the shield below the letter T in PART. A minor obverse flan flaw on the pedestal is also noted for accuracy. These tin tokens were produced under a patent granted to Richard Holt in August 1688. An agent for the owners of several tin mines, Holt proposed that these pieces have a Spanish monetary designation (1/24 real) to facilitate their use in the American colonies. Although Eric P. Newman ("The James II 1/24 Real for the American Plantations," Museum Notes 11, American Numismatic Society, 1964) states that no definitive proof exists that the English Crown ever authorized the distribution of these pieces, some appear to have circulated in both England and the New World. One example was found in an excavation in Jamestown, Virginia. Survivors of the original issue, as here, are typically in low grades with dark oxidation called "tinpest." The present piece, indeed, is superior in all regards and would serve with distinction in an advanced cabinet of colonial coinage. PCGS# 49. NGC ID: 2U3U. Provenance: Acquired from Empire Coin Company, November 1964. Paper envelope with provenance and collector notes included.