America. James II, 1685-88. Tin Plantation Token (1/24 Real), 1688. Very Rare. 28mm. With Old Collection Ticket.
 
Almost a century before the American colonies fought for independence from Great Britain, the British Crown authorized the production of coinage specifically for use in colonial America. These pieces, issued during the reign of King James II, were struck in England from nearly pure tin and are often referred to as tokens rather than official coins. In 1688, a Royal Grant was awarded to Richard Holt, granting him the authority to produce them on behalf of the Crown.
Holt secured this privilege as a representative of several tin mine owners. He had petitioned the King for permission to manufacture the tokens, both to supply the colonies with much-needed currency and to support the domestic tin industry. The resulting American Plantation tokens were made from 97.5% tin and 2.5% brass. After receiving approval, Holt commissioned engraver John Rottier to design the coins and prepare the dies.
These tokens were assigned a value of 1/24 of a Spanish Real, meaning that 24 of them equaled one Spanish Real. Due to a type of corrosion known as “tin pest,” most surviving examples are found in poor condition.
 
Reference: Breen. 77.
 
Provenance: River Thames Find.
 
Some surface corrosion and pitting as common with tin issues of this period. Much detail visible. A darker grey tone.