Lot 874
1796 Myddleton token. Silver. PCGS graded Proof 63. Lightly toned. An coin so beautifully designed and executed that it will leave any collector dumbfounded, a prime example of this historic American medal. The obverse and reverse are both toned in pale gray, with light iridescent blue providing a dramatic addition to the composition. The fields are smooth, relatively clear and fully prooflike on both sides. The central devices are sharply struck and pleasingly clean like the fields. There are no important signs of mishandling requiring mention.
Philip Parry Price Myddelton acquired an enormous tract of land in Kentucky and during 1795-6, he persuaded hundreds of English farmers and laborers to emigrate to his Kentucky holdings, promising them steady employment. The dies were engraved by Conrad H. Küchler and these were struck at Boulton and Watts Soho Mint, hence the extremely high quality. The devices are beautiful, Hope with anchor, presents her two children to Liberty, who holds the liberty pole (note the slaves cap of freedom flying at the top). Behind Liberty is the cornucopia, representing the abundance of the new land and fertility. The seedling represents Myddelton's Kentucky project. On the obverse, the dejected Britannia with her spear inverted (a clear reference to the defeat at Yorktown), with the scales of Justice and the fasces down on the ground. Britannia looks down at a cap of Liberty, which has sprung forth near her feet, representing the new American colony. Needless to say, these elements were highly insulting to Britain, and Myddelton soon found himself in the detested Newgate Prison, charged with "brain drain" and literally the formal charges were "enticing artificers to emigrate to the United States", ending his ambitious project. Perhaps 15 to 20 are known in silver, and these are extremely rare in any grade. PCGS #03704301. Pop 6; 2 in 64; 1 in 66; PCGS has graded a total of 12 coins, some repeats. (PCGS # 649) .
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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| Realized $29,900 |
