Undated (Circa 1670) New Yorke in America Token. Brass. VF Details--Holed and/or Plugged (PCGS).；A rare and enigmatic Colonial era type, here represented by an overall bold mid-grade survivor. Antique gold patina dominates the overall appearance, although we do note areas of darker color in the fields and recesses of the devices that are generally associated with light surface scale. Subtle rose highlights are discernible with patience, enhancing the coins visual appearance. Obverse detail is universally bold while that on the reverse is a bit softer with portions of the eagle and a few of the peripheral devices indistinct. An overall rough texture is noted for accuracy, as are concentrations of scratches in the left obverse and lower reverse field, but the PCGS qualifier concerns a small plug near the upper border that is well concealed within the branches of the obverse tree, more readily evident on the reverse over and above the eagles head. Given the extreme rarity of this type, however, this coin will certainly have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced collection of American colonial coinage.<p>The New Yorke in America tokens were likely struck in the Low Counties, and their fabric closely resembles the English and Dutch tokens of the third quarter of the 17th century. According to John Kleeberg, author of the most definitive study of this type, the obverse shows a scene of Cupid and Psyche that is a rebus for the name of New York colonial governor Francis Lovelace. The reason these pieces were struck is unknown, though they could be marketing pieces (something like the Franco-American jetons of the 18th century), or tokens intended for use at Lovelaces Kings House tavern in Manhattan, or perhaps even an attempt at a small change medium for New York City. The fact that none have been recovered archaeologically in America doesnt mean much, as most of 17th century New York City was gone by the American Revolution and almost nothing from that era has been dug in modern times. Given that nearly all show significant circulation, and at least a few are holed, they certainly saw some kind of use and are not just patterns or pieces de caprice. Their mystery adds to their romance, but one fact is certain: these are the earliest coin-like objects to include the words "New Yorke."<p>According to the census compiled by John Kleeberg and published in the ANS COAC volume "Money of Pre-Federal America," 1991, only 19 examples in brass are known.；From the Antony Bettencourt Collection. Earlier ex Heritages sale of the Old New England Collection, April 2014, lot 5485.
