Liberty & Security George Washington United States Arms Halfpenny 1795The Red Book lists this token under Post-Colonial Issues, but prior to Federal Coinage.
The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial & Early American Coins lists this token under Early Washington Coins & Tokens.
Breen also lists it in his Encyclopedia, and Durst as well.
All list the token under the banner of United States Colonials and/or Pre-Federals. Yet these tokens are Conders; produced and also exchanged in commerce in England too.
For the Half Penny varieties, Whitman lists 4 different varieties; All but one with edge lettering. (Two other mulings exist, but with irrelevant obverse dies.)
The first three more common varieties are the following:W-11005 - "ASYLUM" Edge: Baker-31A, Breen-1263, Fuld-WA.1795.1a
"AN ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESS'D OF ALL NATIONS"
URS-6 (17-32 known specimens)
W-11010 - "BIRMINGHAM" Edge: Baker-31B, Breen-1261, Fuld-WA.1795.1b
"BIRMINGHAM REDRUTH & SWANSEA"
URS-7 (33-64 known specimens)
W-11015 - "LONDON" Edge: Baker-31, Breen-1260, Fuld-WA.1795.1
"PAYABLE AT LONDON LIVERPOOL, OR BRISTOL"
URS-6 (17-32 known specimens)
Finally, the plain edge, without edge lettering:This is the rarest variety, with only 9-16 estimated in existence (URS-5). It is listed as D&H 1052, W-11000, Baker 31-C, Breen-1262, Fuld-WA.1795.1c.
Below please find an example of the plain edge variety from my cabinet.
Although this specimen clearly shows environmental pitting and wear, it has maintained beautiful coloring and patina, and is in Very Good-VG (British Grading) condition.
Given the plain edge variety's rarity, I'm glad to have it in cabinet
Thanks,
Cheetah
Posted 02/20/2012 10:15 am
