The William Pitt Token, 1766

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1766                           Large Planchet Pitt Token

Obverse:   THE RESTORER . OF . COMMERCE 1766     : NO . STAMPS :
Reverse:  THANKS TO THE . FRIENDS . OF . LIBERTY . AND . TRADE .  /   AMERICA

Weight:  87.0 g   (5.64 grams)             Diameter:  28.3 mm             Reverse die alignment: 160°

Comments:  On the obverse there is a small die break (as a dot) to the left of the M in STAMPS. Also, the final S in that word shows a small s below. Evidently, the die originally has a small s (like the small R at the end of RESTORER) but was recut into a full sized letter.

On the reverse there is a die break at the top inside curve of the s in THANKS and a small die break (as a dot) in the O in the worh OF. Also, the punch used for the letter E in the legend must have been defective for all the E appear to have die breaks connecting the upper and lower strokes to the center stroke. Some letters appear to have doubling, most notably the D in FRIENDS which was redone to align it better. The portholes and ladders are clearly visible in this better than average example. The reverse die alignment was measured from the center of the reverse, which is about four millimeters to the right of the top ship mast. I only mention this as one might naturally consider the mast as the reference point, but it is left of center

Provenance:  Acquired through the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Endowment from EANA auction of January 13, 1996, lot 516.

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1766                         Large Planchet Pitt Token

Obverse:   THE RESTORER . OF . COMMERCE 1766     : NO . STAMPS :
Reverse:  THANKS TO THE . FRIENDS . OF . LIBERTY . AND . TRADE .  /   AMERICA

Weight:  66.8 g   (4.33 grams)             Diameter:  28.1 mm             Reverse die alignment: 160°

Comments: This is a well worn example of a Pitt copper that was plated with tin.

Provenance:  From the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Collection.

Voce Populi Coppers: p.2	Section Contents	Virginia Halfpenny