(1828) American Plantation Token 1/24 Real - Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$25,300 • MS62 PCGS • 01-2011 • Stack's Bowers

Description

Cataloged as W-1150/W-1155/W-1160, Newman 4-D/4-E/5-D, and Breen 82-83, this restrike of the American Plantation Token in the 1/24 Real denomination was produced circa 1828 from surviving or re-engraved dies originally used for the colonial-era token series. Struck in tin (97.5% tin, 2.5% brass), weighing 8.25 grams, with a 28.9 mm diameter and ornamented edge, the American Plantation Tokens were initially created for use in the English colonies in the Americas, serving as low-denomination coinage in plantation-based economies where small change was chronically scarce. The 1/24 Real denomination reflects the Spanish monetary system that dominated colonial commerce, as the Real was the standard unit of account across much of the Western Hemisphere. Restrikes were produced during the early 19th century to satisfy growing collector demand, struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812. Rarity varies dramatically by die marriage: the Newman 5-D combination is the most available among restrike die pairings, while the Newman 4-D is extremely rare, rated as high as R.8. An auction record of $25,300 for an MS62 PCGS example at Stack's Bowers in January 2011 confirms the market's appreciation for high-grade examples. The multiple die marriages documented by Newman reflect the extended use of these dies across different production periods, each pairing generating distinct diagnostic characteristics for attribution.

Rarity Notes

R.4+ to R.8 depending on die marriage. Newman 5-D most available; Newman 4-D extremely rare.

Cross References

W-1150/W-1155/W-1160, Newman 4-D/4-E/5-D, Breen 82-83