New York--New York. 1868 B.T. Babbitt, Lion Coffee. Bowers-NY-3600, Rulau-18. Gilt Brass. 34 mm. AU.<strong>Obv:</strong> Liberty portrait left, similar to that used on the United States Mints double eagle gold coins of 1849 to 1907, with 13 stars around the border and the date 1868 below. <strong>Rev:</strong> Inscription LION / COFFEE / ONE OUNCE OF GOLD / GIVEN FOR EVERY OUNCE / OF ADULTERATION / FOUND IN MY COFFEE / B.T. BABBITT / 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72 AND 74 WASHINGTON ST. N.Y. The paper advertisement is dusky yellow, not the violet hue of the specimen illustrated in Q. David Bowers shell card reference. The printed paper is complete and bold, and the obverse retains virtually all of the original golden finish. This card was made by T.N. Hickcox & Co. and, per Bowers, there are only five to eight examples known in any color.From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Collector tag with attribution notation included.
