1796 White Metal Token Myddelton - Obv Cliche

Coin Details

Description

A uniface obverse cliche struck in white metal, this 1796 Myddelton Token represents one of the rarest formats of an already extraordinary piece. Philip Parry Price Myddelton, a Welsh speculator planning a Kentucky settlement, commissioned engraver Peter Kempson of Birmingham, England, to produce tokens for his proposed colony. The obverse die features a classically inspired seated figure of Hope with an anchor, accompanied by allegorical colonist figures. At 29 mm with a plain edge (PCGS #935287), this white metal uniface impression was likely a die trial or collector piece, as Myddelton's colonization scheme never achieved its intended scale. White metal — a tin-based alloy — was commonly used for trial strikes because its softness captured fine detail without excessive die wear. As a uniface cliche, it shows only the obverse with a flat reverse. The Myddelton Token links British speculative colonization, Birmingham craftsmanship, and early Kentucky numismatic heritage. Whitman does not list this format, confirming its rarity outside standard catalogs. Very rare.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Uniface obverse cliché.

Cross References

Whitman unlisted