Cast Copy 1670-A French Colonies Double de lAmerique. As Martin Chapter 5, Lecompte-185, Breen-257, W-11600. Copper-Plated. Very Fine.100 grains. An exciting piece, made even more so by the recent sale of the unique 1670-A double de lAmerique in our Winter 2022 sale of the Sydney F. Martin Collection (see below). This cast copy is well produced, the molds/shells made from the original coin, but with the central detail subsequently strengthened. Both sides exhibit dominant rose-brown color that yields to deeper gray-brown in the protected areas around many of the design elements. Traces of the underlying metal (lead?) are evident at the lower reverse border; there are also traces of what appears to be old solder in two areas on the edge. Most features are boldly rendered, and all are readily discernible. A bit rough overall, as made, yet free of sizeable marks.<p>This type is the most significant French colonial coin in existence. Struck as part of the first coinage intended for the French New World, it is both the first and the rarest. The reverse design reads DOVBLE / DE LA / MERIQUE / FRANCOISE or "double of French America." The engraving error, which substituted an incorrect De La Merique instead of the correct De LAmerique, should not overshadow what this coin states: the type was produced for French America and is the first coin ever struck to name this landmass as part of its designs. There is only one genuine specimen extant, the Norweb-Martin specimen that realized an impressive $504,000 in our Winter 2022 Auction sale of the Sydney F. Martin Collection. With that coin likely off the market again for many more decades, and also undoubtedly beyond the reach of most collectors, this appealing copy is a desirable alternative.Collector envelope with attribution notes included.
