Q.David Bowers
The Gloucester Shilling
One of the most curious of all early American issues is the so-called "Gloucester shilling." Only two specimens of this issue, each struck in brass, are known to exist. Both show extensive evidence of circulation, so much that the full extent of the original inscriptions cannot be ascertained. The obverse depicts a building at the center with the denomination XII (12 pence equal to one shilling) below, and surrounded by: GLOUCESTER CO... (illegible) ... VA. The reverse shows a five-pointed geometric star with the inscription RIC (or RIG ... ) (illegible) ... DAWSON. ANNO DOM. 1714. It has been speculated that the piece may have been issued by one Richard Dawson of Gloucester County or Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia, and that the structure pictured on the obverse may be a building of public accommodation. It is extremely unlikely that a brass token could have circulated at the value of a shilling, a denomination regularly issued in silver, in an era in which emphasis was placed upon the intrinsic or metallic value of coins. It has been suggested that the piece may have been a pattern. If so, the great wear observed on the two extant coins becomes even more of a mystery.
American Plantations Token
A tin token bearing the obverse design of King James II on horseback has long been identified with the American series. It is believed that these may have been issued following a patent granted in August 1688 to one Holt, a tin producer, but specific evidence is lacking. Holt proposed that new issues for America be made of tin and be of Spanish design to facilitate their acceptance in the channels of commerce. The obverse of each American Plantations token bears the equestrian statue of James II, surrounded by a Latin legend in abbreviated form: JACOBUS II D.G. MAG. BRI. FRAN. ET HIB. REX. The reverse notes: HISP AN VAL 24 PART REAL. At the center of the reverse are four heraldic shields connected by chains.
Around 1828, earlier dies were used by Matthew Young to produce restrikes which were subsequently disseminated by W. S. Lincoln & Son, London coin dealers.
Pitt Tokens
The so-called Pitt tokens, issued in halfpenny and farthing size, made of copper, bear on the obverse a portrait of William Pitt with the surrounding legend: THE RESTORER OF COMMERCE 1766 NO ST AMPS. The reverse depicts a sailing ship with the legend: THANKS TO THE FRIENDS OF LIBERTY AND TRADE-AMERICA. The reference is to the Stamp Act, which was enacted on March 22, 1765. Through the efforts of William Pitt, an English statesman, it was repealed on March 18, 1766. Pitt stated that British control over the American colonies did not include the right of taxation. For this; Pitt was admired by the American colonists.
While the pieces may have been intended as commemorative medals, the larger size issues are referred to as halfpennies by numismatists today. The smaller copper issues, the "farthings," bear a differently styled portrait and appear to be struck on thicker planchets which were cast prior to striking.
Little is known concerning the circumstances of issue. Robert Vlack notes that the pieces may have been designed by Paul Revere. Striking may have been accomplished around 1769 by James Smither (or Smithers) of Philadelphia.
New Yorke Token
Very little is known about the New Yorke token.
Certain authorities, A Guide Book of United States Coins for example, believe that it was issued at an early date, perhaps between 1664, when the name New Yorke was first officially adopted, and 1710, by which time it was rarely used. Other authorities believe the token to be of more recent vintage, perhaps being made during the early 19th century.
The obverse depicts a perched eagle with the legend
NEW YORKE IN AMERICA. The reverse shows a palm tree with the figures of Venus and Cupid. Specimens are known in brass and white metal and are extremely rare.