Dundee (Angusshire) 1797 Swap 1/2d Conder, Edge Error - D+H#21var
Offered is a fascinating 1797 halfpenny token issued by Alexander Swap in Dundee, being of the basic type (D+H#21), but presenting a most unusual twist. This piece displays an edge variety (likely the result of a broken collar which went unnoticed), being a muddled ‘THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP,’ with the rest appearing as it should, other than a larger gap than expected in the inscription’s coverage of the circumference of the token. The dies were sunk by Wyon, and these tokens were struck by Kempson, so quality assurance was likely quite good when they were produced. This is perhaps why we have been unable to locate any other mention / examples of this particular error - indeed, we assume this variety to be extremely rare, as no examples appeared in the extensive Michael Paterson collection (auctioned 2019).
Condition is most pleasing overall, with this piece being problem-free, and retaining good detail for the type. A rich, original mahogany patina serves to round out this apparent discovery piece. A rare token for the discerning collector.
Obv: DUNDEE HALFPENNY S. ANDREW’S CHURCH FOUND.D. 1772 / 1797
Rev: COWGATE PORT THE LAST REMAINS OF OUR ANCIENT WALLS / WRIGHT JUNI DES
Edge: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP & CO.
Offered is a fascinating 1797 halfpenny token issued by Alexander Swap in Dundee, being of the basic type (D+H#21), but presenting a most unusual twist. This piece displays an edge variety (likely the result of a broken collar which went unnoticed), being a muddled ‘THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP,’ with the rest appearing as it should, other than a larger gap than expected in the inscription’s coverage of the circumference of the token. The dies were sunk by Wyon, and these tokens were struck by Kempson, so quality assurance was likely quite good when they were produced. This is perhaps why we have been unable to locate any other mention / examples of this particular error - indeed, we assume this variety to be extremely rare, as no examples appeared in the extensive Michael Paterson collection (auctioned 2019).
Condition is most pleasing overall, with this piece being problem-free, and retaining good detail for the type. A rich, original mahogany patina serves to round out this apparent discovery piece. A rare token for the discerning collector.
Obv: DUNDEE HALFPENNY S. ANDREW’S CHURCH FOUND.D. 1772 / 1797
Rev: COWGATE PORT THE LAST REMAINS OF OUR ANCIENT WALLS / WRIGHT JUNI DES
Edge: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP & CO.
Offered is a fascinating 1797 halfpenny token issued by Alexander Swap in Dundee, being of the basic type (D+H#21), but presenting a most unusual twist. This piece displays an edge variety (likely the result of a broken collar which went unnoticed), being a muddled ‘THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP,’ with the rest appearing as it should, other than a larger gap than expected in the inscription’s coverage of the circumference of the token. The dies were sunk by Wyon, and these tokens were struck by Kempson, so quality assurance was likely quite good when they were produced. This is perhaps why we have been unable to locate any other mention / examples of this particular error - indeed, we assume this variety to be extremely rare, as no examples appeared in the extensive Michael Paterson collection (auctioned 2019).
Condition is most pleasing overall, with this piece being problem-free, and retaining good detail for the type. A rich, original mahogany patina serves to round out this apparent discovery piece. A rare token for the discerning collector.
Obv: DUNDEE HALFPENNY S. ANDREW’S CHURCH FOUND.D. 1772 / 1797
Rev: COWGATE PORT THE LAST REMAINS OF OUR ANCIENT WALLS / WRIGHT JUNI DES
Edge: PAYABLE AT THE WAREHOLALEXR. SWAP & CO.