LOT #21988 |
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Yemen: Stone money,...
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Sold on Aug 13, 2010 for:
$18,400.00
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Description
Yap Island
Stone money, smooth round calcite stone with center hole quarried on Babekldaop Island, in the Pelew group of Islands, and transferred back to the island of Yap, 40 lb., 5 oz., 15-1/8 inches in diameter. These stones were probably little used before 1800, and the last pieces were produced in 1931. Prior to traders arriving at Yap, the Island Chief controlled the stones, which were used for all types of payment, and even thought to be of divine origin by early natives. In 1871 David Dean O'Keefe, a sea Captain from Savannah, Georgia was shipwrecked on the island. During his 30 years on the island, he obtained much fame in the islands, and considerable fortune, by gaining control of the stone quarrying, copra, and trepang export. His exploits were brought to light in a 1954 film starring Burt Lancaster called, His Majesty O'Keefe. It is now illegal to remove the stones from Yap Island, with severe penalties for disturbing the stones. The piece we offer here is a premium example of Yap Stone money, in exceptional condition.This Yap Stone belongs to the Numismatic Association of Southern California and was donated to the club many years ago by a primitive money collector. It has been displayed at numerous coin shows in California since becoming the property of the club. The NASC , in an effort to raise money for operating expenses, has reluctantly consigned this wonderful item to Heritage for auction at the ANA. Heritage, in our ongoing support of numismatics, has waived the seller's fee, and 100% of the hammer price of the Yap Stone will go directly to the Numismatic Association of Southern California.
Auction Info
2010 August Boston, MA Signature ANA World Coin Auction #3010 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
August, 2010
12th-16th
Thursday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 7,882
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.
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