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Description

1779 Rhode Island Ship Medal, W-1740, MS64
Wreath Below the Ship

1779 Rhode Island Ship Token, Wreath Below, Brass, MS64 NGC. Betts-563, W-1740, R.4. The Rhode Island Ship medals have the date 1778 on one side (usually called the obverse) and the date 1779 on the other side, so they have usually been described as dated "1778-1779." Detailed research by Christopher McDowell, editor of the Journal of Early American Numismatics (published by the American Numismatic Society, December 2018) shows that these medals are actually satirical Dutch jetons minted in 1780. The first pieces incorrectly included the word "vlugtende" below the ship. Nearly all of those had the word removed from the medals by hand, although one or two survive with that word intact. Those with the word effaced might appear damaged, but that is not the case. Later examples, such as the present piece, substituted a wreath composed of two branches, but traces of "vlugtende" are still visible. Examples of these medals are known in brass and pewter. Those described in past literature as copper are now known to be toned brass. This Choice Mint State piece has exceptional eye appeal with smooth yellow surfaces and lovely pale blue and violet patina. NGC has certified seven Rhode Island Ship medals of all varieties as MS64 with none finer (7/21). Listed on page 45 of the 2022 Guide Book.
Ex: Dr. Angus Black (New Netherlands, 60th Sale, 12/1968), lot 440; Jon Hanson; Donald G. Partrick.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2AUM, PCGS# 587, Greysheet# 396)


View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2021
18th-22nd Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 10
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 654

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Aug 20, 2021 for: $6,900.00
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