New Yorke Token Pewter MS

Struck in lead. The New Yorke in America token is a farthing or halfpenny token intended for New York, issued by Francis Lovelace, who was governor from 1668 until 1673. The token uses the older spelling with a final "e" (YORKE), which predominated before 1710. In weight, fabric, and die axis the tokens are similar to the 1670 farthing tokens of Bristol, England, where they may have been struck. There is no evidence that any of these pieces ever circulated in America.

Obverse Description

The obverse shows Cupid pursuing the butterfly-winged Psyche—a rebus on the name Lovelace.

Reverse Description

The reverse shows a heraldic eagle, identical to the one displayed in fesse, raguly (i.e., on a crenellated bar) on the Lovelace coat of arms.