Tobago (1798) 11 bits
This specimen was lot 21468 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $10,200. The catalog description[1] noted,
"TOBAGO. Tobago - Mexico. 11 Bits (8 Shilling 3 Pence - Dollar), ND (ca. 1798). George III. PCGS VF-35. Authorization not traced, but is presumed near the end of 1798. Countermark: Pierced from the obverse with 15 cren[el]ations. Applied to a 1797-Mo FM Mexico bust 8 Reales of Charles IIII (IV) (KM-109). This VERY RARE and seldom encountered holey dollar is not to be confused with the much more common Dominica Dollar issued in September 1798. Though similar in the way they were mutilated, plug removal by piercing the center of the coin consisting of 14 or 15 cren[el]ations, they are distinctly different. The key identifying factor between these two West Indian issues is that the Tobago pieces were pierced from the obverse while those of Dominica were done so from the reverse. This handsome and nicely preserved example exhibits moderate even wear displaying rich mottled slate and light gray patina with a bit brighter coloration on the high points. The surfaces are relatively smooth with signs of handling consistent for the grade. This handsome survivor is certain to catch the attention of many collectors seeking difficult to obtain issues from the popular West Indies series."
Tobago, an island to the east of Trinidad, also counterstamped 1½ pence, 1½ bits (rare) and stampees.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin before mutilation: 27.07 g, 0.896 fine silver; this specimen 23.45 g.
Catalog reference: KM-12; Prid-1.
- Byrne, Ray, Coins and Tokens of the Caribees, Decatur, IL: Jess Peters, Inc., 1975.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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