|
Sale 13
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 21
1783 Washington Token. "UNITY STATES". PCGS graded MS-63 Brown. A stunning and magnificent example of this Birmingham issue. Note the satiny brown luster on both sides and this is likely one of the only examples that retains mint color. Bluntly struck, as are all, with the tops of the peripheral letters and devices poorly struck up. The surfaces are exceptional for the moderate grade, and no signs of spots or discoloration of any size are present. PCGS in their population report show that this coin is the finest graded and alone as the sole MS-63. There are four others graded just below as MS-62. We can scarcely imagine a nicer example, with such lovely color, surfaces and rich history.
For many years, the origins of this token were unclear. As so often is the case in numismatics, years of research and analysis of minute details has solved this riddle. The dies are believed to have been engraved by Thomas Wells Ingram, of the Soho Mint around 1820. Other dies from this same maker are signed with a small "I" on Washington, and one seen has TWI, which linked this colonial to the Soho Mint around 1820. The date "1783" refers to the Treaty of Paris and the ending of the Revolution. It is apparent from the reverse that it was copied from the Large cents of 1796-1807, and these tokens were intended to circulate along side still scarce Philadelphia Mint regular cent issues. As copper coins were not legal tender in the United States, there were no laws against the import and circulation of copper tokens. As we know, the Philadelphia Mint could scarcely keep up with demand, and many areas still lacked small coins to make change. Hence merchants could order kegs of these tokens, and give them out as change without violating any laws. The copper coin shortage came to a head during the 1815-1817 period, when large cents were far more expensive to purchase compared with these tokens, which could be had for much less than one cent each, and given out as cents in change. The monetary history of the United States is rich with dozens of tokens and other stop gap measures that have been employed to keep the wheels of commerce turning when other coins were not available. An outstanding coin that will enhance even the most advanced collection.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
|
| |
| Realized $5,290 |
|
