Undated (1688) American Plantations Token, or 1/24 Part Real. Original.

Undated (1688) American Plantations Token, or 1/24 Part Real. Original. Newman 2-B, W-1135. Rarity-5+. 7 Harp Strings. AU-58 (PCGS). A original die pairing for the type, though without the Guide Book-listed characteristics that makes the HB REX variety so avidly sought. This one still has much to offer type collectors, of course, with even deep pewter gray patina overall. Macrogranular, as expected, areas of light to moderate pest are evident on James II's head on the obverse and, especially, around the reverse periphery. Some chipping is seen at the borders around both sides, as well, but in-hand appreciation focuses largely on the boldly rendered motifs in the centers. In the 2020 edition of his Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers provides the following background and numismatic observations concerning the American Plantations tokens: These pieces were the first duly authorized coinage made specifically for the English colonies in America. They were also the only tin issue specifically for American use, as well as the only coinage struck under the authority of the English Crown to use a Spanish denomination. They were struck under a patent granted in August 1688 to Richard Holt, an agent for the owners of several tin mines. Holt proposed that new issues for the plantations in the New World be made of tin and of Spanish monetary designation to facilitate their acceptance in the channels of American commerce. Interestingly, in the colonies, 1/24th of a real would have equaled one and one-half farthings. In English documents discussing the production of this piece, it is generally referred to as a "farthing." For more information, see pp. 54 to 57 in the Bowers reference. Provenance: From the Emerald Coast Collection. PCGS# 49. NGC ID: AUB2. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

Estimate:$1

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