Lot 130
1795 Washington "Liberty and Security" Token Halfpenny. "LONDON" edge. PCGS graded MS-62 Brown. This coin is a lovely dark brown in color which is uniform on both sides. The surfaces are free of problems, but show minor handling marks when examined with a glass. Not well struck, with weakness on the upper portions of Washington and also on the reverse eagle.
How this proposed coinage came about was through rumors in England that the Philadelphia Mint was in trouble, and perhaps would be abolished. Many of the Birmingham token makers were struggling to compete with Matthew Boulton, and the idea of landing a lucrative contract to produce coins was very appealing. Hence, the firm of Kempson & Sons produced both Pence and Half Pence of the Washington obverse paired with the Liberty and Security Shield reverse. Many were imported to America, where they circulated along with other coinage. Most of the better survivors come from British collections. Scarce today, and always in demand by collectors, especially to find one in such high grade as offered here.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,250.
No provenance information included, but likely from the 1940s.
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| Realized $1,208 |
