1796 Myddelton Token. W-8900. Rarity-7. Copper. Proof-65 BN (PCGS).

Stellar Copper 1796 Myddelton Token Gem Proof-65 BN (PCGS) Ex Boyd-Ford 1796 Myddelton Token. W-8900. Rarity-7. Copper. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). With "Chapman" Tag and Fitted Metal Case. 199.2 grains. An absolutely exceptional specimen, profoundly well-struck, beautifully toned, and tied for finest certified by PCGS. Reflective surfaces show ideal medium brown color that complicates upon examination like the mechanism of a fine timepiece: deep chestnut merges into olive, and faded mint red evolves into a firmament of pinkish-gold. Underlying powder blue is also present to further enhance the color. The devices, often seen somewhat soft, are needle-sharp throughout both sides, doing honor to engraver Conrad Kuchler's imagination and execution. The denticulated wire rim is intact, and no significant marks or lines are seen. While never intended to circulate in America, this piece has a profound story to tell about American immigration in the post-Revolutionary period. Philip Parry Price Myddelton controlled a large piece of real estate in Kentucky but, while attempting to people it with useful tradesmen interested in emigrating from England, ran afoul of a British law meant to stop the exporting of valuable laborers. The project ended, but not before the dies for these tokens, executed by Conrad Kuchler at Boulton and Watt, had been executed. Myddelton was indicted just a month after the dies were completed. Despite the failure of the project, the sheer beauty of the production and the interest in all things American guaranteed that the tokens would become popular among the collectors of the day. Though most were lovingly cherished in contemporary British cabinets, fewer than 20 silver specimens exist today, along with just eight to 10 in copper. Few of the latter could compare to this one. This lot includes a small handwritten tag signed on the back CHAPMAN, along with a fitted two-piece metal case, 30.0 mm, that helped to preserve this specimen with such care during the decades before it was certified by PCGS. (Total: 1 token; 1 case; 1 tag) Provenance: From the Emerald Coast Collection. Earlier ex "Chapman," privately, date not recorded; F.C.C. Boyd estate; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part VII, January 2005, lot 132. PCGS Population: 5; 0 graded higher in any category. PCGS# 646. NGC ID: 2B66. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

Estimate:$1

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