Ship Token ND (1779) front Ship Token ND (1779) back
Ship Token ND (1779) photo

Ship Token ND

1779 year
Pewter - 32 mm
Description
Issuer
Rhode Island (United States (pre-federal and private/territorial))
Period
Post-colonial period (1776-1781)
Type
Token
Year
1779
Value
1 Penny (1⁄240)
Currency
Pound
Composition
Pewter
Diameter
32 mm
Shape
Round
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#23025
Rarity index
92%

Reverse

Nineteen small silhouettes of people holding weapons with three sailing ships to the left and thirteen canoes to the right

Script: Latin

Lettering: D'vlugtende AMERICAANEᴺvan ROHDE YLAND Aug,t 1778

Comment

1778-1779 are listed on the coins, but these were likely made in 1780.

For more information check https://coins.nd.edu/colcoin/colcoinintros/RIShip.intro.html

Interesting fact

The A Token Ship Token ND (1779) from Rhode Island (United States (pre-federal and private/territorial)) made of Pewter is a rare and unique coin that has a fascinating history. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the American Revolutionary War. At that time, the Continental Congress issued paper money, known as Continentals, which quickly lost value due to inflation. As a result, private companies and individuals began to issue their own tokens, like the A Token Ship Token, to serve as currency. These tokens were made from various materials, including pewter, and were often decorated with patriotic symbols and images of ships, like the one . The use of these tokens as currency during this time period highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of the American people during a period of great economic and political upheaval.