Lot 16
1787 Auctori Plebis Token. PCGS graded AU-55. One of the finest graded of this rare and popular colonial issue. PCGS in their Population Report shows just 1 graded as AU-55 and 1 graded higher as AU-58, no mint state coins are reported, making this one of the very finest to have come down to us today.
These were struck to imitate the then current Connecticut coppers on planchets which were too small to accommodate the reverse die, and the tops of the lettering and bottom of the date is always missing. The obverse die was weakly engraved so simulate wear, and thus encourage acceptance. On the reverse, there is a die crack from Liberty's head extending down to the left. AUCTORI PLEBIS means "by the authority of the commoners" (Breen) and this has an antiroyalist flavor, the reverse legend of INDEP. ET LIBER "Independence and Liberty" which was copied from the Connecticut reverse legend. Most likely these were struck at the Birmingham mints between early 1788 and July 1789 when the copper panic stopped profitable business.
Light brown in color, with a few scattered ticks on the obverse, and one small stain on the B of PLEBIS should help trace the pedigree. Well struck for the issue, despite the late reverse die state.
Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750.
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| Realized $2,415 |
