Undated (ca. 1670) New Yorke in America Token. W-1705. Rarity-6+. Brass. VF-30 (PCGS).46.9 grains. A thoroughly appealing example of this highly elusive early American token, thought to have been struck on behalf of Governor Francis Lovelace of New York. In fact, this piece is a perfect match to the Roper specimen that we (Stacks) offered for sale in 1983. Both sides are nicely centered in strike with handsome antique golden-brass patina throughout. A splash of slightly warmer copper toning is evident over the lower left reverse, a tiny dig in the field below the letter N in NEW also serving as a useful identifying feature. Attractive in all regards with solid technical quality, an impressive provenance further enhances the desirability of this important rarity. 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. "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. At least a few new specimens have been discovered since that paper was published, but overall this issue is at least Rarity-6+ with roughly 20 examples known. Ranked 25th in the Katherine Jaeger and Q. David Bowers book <em>100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens</em>. This particular specimen is the plate coin in <em>Walter Breens Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins. </em>From our (Stacks) sale of the Richard Picker Collection of Colonial & Early American Coins, October 1984, lot 97.
