1796 1/2-P Myddelton Copper PCGS PR63BN Ex-Roper

1796 Myddelton Token Rarity-7. Copper. Proof-63 BN (PCGS). Ex -Roper

One of fewer than ten known examples of this rare token, struck by Boulton and Watt from exceptionally attractive dies engraved by Conrad Kuchler. These tokens were struck to encourage skilled British tradesmen to emigrate to Philip Parry Price Myddelton's land holdings in Kentucky. Unfortunately, British law discouraged the export of skilled laborers, and Myddelton's scheme failed soon after the tokens promoting it were struck. This is one of the rare examples of a token that is around twice as rare in copper than it is in silver. 

The present piece has glossy, proof surfaces, awash in subtle blue and magenta toning, with a small amount of original mint red in the protected areas. it is well-struck with full, sharp detail, even at the highest points of the design - and what a design it is! The obverse depicts Britannia seated with her head bowed, with the sword and scales of justice, a fasces, and liberty cap scattered about her feet. This clear criticism of British policy following the loss of the North American colonies is accompanied by a reverse showing the figure of Hope standing before an abandoned anchor, bowing and presenting two small children to Liberty, standing before a full cornucopia, with a flowering plant growing out of a laurel wreath between them. Hope's face is modeled on King George III, while the face of Liberty appears to be that of Henry Laurens, one-time president of the Continental Congress and former prisoner in the Tower of London. Hope (George III) is depicted here as as a supplicant to Liberty (Henry Laurens) in what must have been understood to be a withering criticism of British colonialism.