(ca. 1670) Token New Yorke in America Brass MS(PCGS#226)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1265

等级

F15

价格

47,129

详细说明

Quite appealing for a well circulated example of this rare and enigmatic type. Warm tobacco-brown surfaces retain the boldest detail on the obverse (inexplicably mounted as the reverse in the PCGS holder), on which side the allegorical figures and palm tree are plainly seen. Both sides are rough and granular overall, which texture has obscured much of the detail on the reverse, although portions of the eagle and peripheral legend are discernible.<p>The New Yorke in America tokens were likely struck in the Low Countries, and their fabric closely resembles the English and Dutch tokens of the third quarter of the 17th century. According to John Kleeberg, author of the most definitive study of this type, the obverse shows a scene of Cupid and Psyche that is a rebus for the name of New York colonial governor Francis Lovelace. The reason these pieces were struck is unknown, though they could be marketing pieces (something like the Franco-American jetons of the 18th century), or tokens intended for use at Lovelace's King's House tavern in Manhattan, or perhaps even an attempt at a small change medium for New York City. The fact that none have been recovered archaeologically in America doesn't mean much, as most of 17th century New York City was gone by the American Revolution and almost nothing from that era has been dug in modern times. Given that nearly all show significant circulation, and at least a few are holed, they certainly saw some kind of use and are not just patterns or pieces de caprice. Their mystery adds to their romance, but one fact is certain: these are the earliest coin-like objects to include the words "New Yorke." According to the census compiled by John Kleeberg and published in the ANS <em>COAC</em> volume "Money of Pre-Federal America," 1991, only 19 examples in brass are known. At least a few new specimens have been discovered since that paper was published, but overall this issue is at least Rarity-6+ with approximately 20 examples known. Ranked 25th in the Katherine Jaeger and Q. David Bowers book <em>100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens</em>.