CANADA, Lower Canada, Montreal, copper token, 1837, Molson, thick flan, reeded edge, ex-Oppenheim, ex-Baker. Breton-562; LC-16A1. 10.80 grams. Nice XF with lighter fields contrasting with copper-brown details (obverse rim slightly weak), minimal marks, a rare and highly desirable beer-maker token showing a keg on one side and a distillery on the other, from dies designed by Jean-Marie Arnault. The keg-side legend refers to Thomas and William Molson, sons of the founder, John Molson, Sr., who started the business in 1786, the Molson name also known for early steamboats and a bank that started the same year this token was issued (that bank acquired by the Bank of Montreal in 1925). Molson continues to produce beer today under the name Molson Coors. Pedigreed to the Warren Baker Collection of Canadian coins and tokens, and to the Michael Oppenheim Collection (9/2019).
