Undated TOKEN New Yorke Token, Brass, VF20 PCGS. Rulau-E-NY-621, W-1705, R.6,...

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Description

Rare New Yorke in America Token
Undated, Brass, VF20
Rulau-E-NY-621, W-1705

Undated TOKEN New Yorke Token, Brass, VF20 PCGS. Rulau-E-NY-621, W-1705, R.6, This rare token was issued by Francis Lovelace, the British governor of New York from 1668-1673. The obverse design features Cupid and Psyche (Crosby says Venus) under five palm trees. The mythological figures are believed to be a play on the issuer's name, and the eagle on the reverse is identical to the crest on the Lovelace coat of arms. Other facts that help establish an approximate date for the token include the spelling of the city's name. The name New Yorke was adopted in 1664, when the British occupied the city, and the final E was dropped from the spelling around 1710.

The token is farthing size, and the weight, composition, and die axis are similar to the 1670 farthing tokens of Bristol, England. The tokens may have been manufactured in Bristol, as there is no evidence that they ever circulated in this country, and those with long pedigrees have typically been found in Europe. The discovery specimen (the first described) was a pewter example located in the Hague about 1850. Today, approximately 20 pieces are known in brass, with four examples in pewter.

The present example shows even, well-balanced wear over each side. The high points are tan-yellow, and contrast sharply against the russet patina that surrounds and is seen within the recesses of the devices. The surfaces are clean and problem free, except for a few spots of corrosion on the reverse. Listed on page 59 of the 2019 Guide Book. Population: 1 in 20, 4 finer (3/19).
Ex: FUN Signature (1/2010), lot 2390, where it brought $32,200.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# AUBK, PCGS# 226, Greysheet# 388)

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