(1688) American Plantation Token Breen-78 Newman 4-E MS60. Frosty light to medium gray with darker gray toning on the highpoints and delicate overtones of light bluish steel in the protected areas. Clearly never circulated, but there are a few of the usual spots of "tin pest" on both sides, mostly near the rims. There is no way to determine with certainty whether this piece is an original or a restrike as both were struck using the same dies. The originals were struck in 1688 near the end of the reign of England's James II, before the "Glorious Revolution" resulted in his "removal from office." The dies were obtained much later by a London coin dealer by the name of Matthew Young, and he struck an undetermined quantity of examples circa 1828. Since the pieces struck from the Newman 4-E die pair never show the die crack present on the restrikes of the Newman 5-D die pair, you can never be certain of the version you have. However, it is safe to assume an example in this high state of preservation is one of those restrikes. Listed on page 41 in the "Redbook." Weight 151.4 grains.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Ex 2004 C-4 Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 11/13/2004:11 (lot ticket included).
U.S. Colonial and Copper Coins,
Colonials
