1850 1/2-D Upper Bank Token

Nice Token Don! The die cracks always make them more interesting.

This is identified in Charlton's as PC 5A.
Breton 720.
These are generic identifiers. Now, Dr. Euguene Courtaau identified some 75 different varieties
within this issue. (and about 320 for the entire series of St. George's}.

Courteau first categorizes this issue into 5 major groupings dependent upon the completeness of the
letters T an N in TOKEN. The area of concern is the Stands of these letters.

Group I. varieties 1-26:
the Stands of both the T and N are weakly struck.

Group II. Varieties 27-45.
The Stand of the T is weak. The left-side of the Stand of the N is weak, the right-side is fully struck.

Group III. Varieties 46-56.
The Stand of the T is weal. The Stand of the N is struck in full.

Group IV. Varieties 57-63.
The Stand of the T is double-cut. The Stand of the N is struck in full.

Group V. Varoetoes 64-75.
The Stands of the T and N are complete.

Within each grouping, areas of concern are defective (broken) letters, re-punched letters, numerals, Die-Crack, stray markings, etc.

The token in the photo is of Group III; The Stand of the T is double cut, the Stand of the N is full, ergo 57-63.

Obv 57 is noted for having a defective "U" in UPPER, the bottom is broken (missing).

Obv 58 has a perfect legend and a Die'Crack betwixt the rosette and the numeral 1.

Obv 59 is the same as 58, but the date is re-punched.

Obv 60 is the same as 58, but shewing a Die-crack from the Tail of the Horse to the A in BANK.

Obv 61 is the same as 58, but the top of the numeral 1 is weakly struck.

Obv 62 has a large hook-like defect. This resembles a large letter 'U' placed on its side, having the base of the letter touching the man's leg. This marking encompasses a large portion of the side of the Horse.

Obv 63 is the same as 62, but the reverse shews two small dots to the right of the upper Rosette.

A number of other details are provided, but in this case, identification can be ascertained without going further.

Yours is Courteau variety 58, The Die-Crack is not complete (an early stage), but is present. A rariety factor of 6 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being common.

Grades a VF 20.

only 74 more to complete the issue, and over 300 for the series...

p.s. I have identifies another twenty or so varieties which Dr. Courteau was not privy to.

enjoy...

doug

And where are you in this photo, fourmack? Let me know when you need another CARE package... I never knew that you were into tokens.

Beautiful token and pics. I like that design, but my only specimen is a pretty worn.

@Doug - wow - I never knew someone had gone this greatly into detail on these tokens. I guess I have a lot to learn if I ever pursue tokens seriously.

Very interesting model 1/2, never seen one before.

It the encased model silver? And was it intended for UK use, or Canada?