Sierra Leone 1791 20 cents
This specimen was lot 33777 in Heritage sale 3064 (Chicago, April 2018), where it sold for $960. The catalog description[1] noted, "British Colony. Sierra Leone Company copper Proof 20 Cents 1791 PR62 Brown NGC. A stunning example with a singular appearance. All of the coin's characteristics are distinctly defined. Mirror-like surfaces simply enhance the overall look. From the Jamestown Collection." A series of silver and bronze coins were issued for the projected colony of Sierra Leone in Africa whose capital, Freetown, was to house freed slaves and discharged black soldiers and sailors. The colony failed for the usual reasons and it seems unlikely that the coins issued ever circulated there as most of the survivors are in good condition. Proofs and off-metal strikes are known.
Recorded mintage: 5,200 + 84 proofs + copper proofs (KM 4a) + copper gilt proofs (KM 4b).
Specification: KM 4: 0.902 fine silver; KM 4a: copper.
Catalog reference: KM 4 (silver), KM 4a (copper), KM 4b (gilt copper).
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach and Warren Tucker, Heritage World Coin Auction 3064, featuring the Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
Link to: