| Description |
1796 TOKEN Myddelton Token PR63 Brown NGC. Breen-1074, W-8900, R.7. 170.6 grains. NGC reports that this example is 99% copper and 1% trace elements, not surprising for a product of Matthew Boulton. In his 1875 colonial reference, The Early Coins of America, Sylvester S. Crosby described these pieces as "unsurpassed" for their beauty of design and execution. However, that was apparently a concern to Boulton, who identified these pieces as halfpence. On February 12, 1796, he wrote to Myddleton about the design: {blockquote}"I must acknowledge that for so small a piece as a halfpenny [sic], there are too many figures, too much intricacy, & too little Simplicity which is a beauty in Medals: moreover it will make the Dies rather too Expensive & take more time than I fear you can allow. Copper � pence will chiefly pass through the hands of unlettered [sic] persons & the device should be such as to be understood at first sight."{/blockquote} This impressive proof reproduces Myddelton's design concept in copper, with fully mirrored fields and bold design motifs. Both sides exhibit mahogany and blue-steel surfaces that show inconsequential hairlines. A delightful example of this rarity. Ex: Roper Collection (Stack's, 12/1983), lot 350; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $21,150.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
