Lot 414: Undated (Circa 1797) Theatre At New York Token

Theatre at New York Token, c. 1798

The Theatre at New York token has been popular in American circles for a long time. The American Journal of Numismatics, April 1868, noted "This rare and interesting token represents the Park Theatre, destroyed by fire May 25, 1820, but afterwards rebuilt in a style somewhat different from that of the building exhibited on the coin."

The cornerstone was laid on May 5, 1795, on Chatham Row, New York City. At first called the New Theatre, the facility officially opened on Monday, January 29, 1798. Featured was Shakespeare's As You Like It, preceded by an address by Mr. Hodgkinson and a prelude by Mr. Milne, and followed by "Purse, or American Tar," a musical entertainment. Up to about 2,300 people could be seated. In 1806 the building was sold to John Jacob Astor and John K. Beekman for $50,000. They were the owners at the time of the fire.

It is presumed that this token was issued about 1798, when the popular passion in England for collecting Conder tokens was fading rapidly. The dies by Benjamin Jacob, a Birmingham engraver, auctioneer, and ironmonger, were used to create these pieces. Coining was accomplished at a factory operated by Peter Skidmore, in partnership with his father John, at 15 Coppice Row, Clerkenwell, London, from 1797 to 1809. For years the elder Skidmore operated an iron smithy, grate shop, and furniture store at 123 High Holborn Street, London.

The penny size is unusual in the context of Conder-style tokens and was part of a series of Skidmore issues of this format, illustrating various buildings. All known examples are struck in copper and have Proof finish. These were made for collectors, not for use as advertising. Today, examples are scarce. About 20 are known.

For more information, or to bid, see:stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=452468

Lot 2161: 1834 Classic Half Eagle

A reduction in the weight of the half eagle from 8.75 grams to 8.36 grams occurred in the Act of June 28, 1834, and was done to discourage hoarding and to allow the half eagle denomination to circulate once again. The weight change corresponded with a change in design and the introduction of the Classic Head type, which would remain current only through 1838. The type is fairly scarce in all high Mint State grade due to the brevity of the series. Those that do exist are usually dated 1834 with Plain 4, as here. There was little numismatic interest at the time and few if any were saved by collectors. The formation of the Mint Cabinet was still several years away in 1838.;

The Classic Head type by Chief Engraver William Kneass was hardly original and was simply a modification of that created by John Reich and used on half cents beginning in 1809 and large copper cents beginning in 1808. The new type did not last long, and by 1840 all three gold denominations then being produced were of Gobrecht's new Liberty Head type. A reduction in the weight of the half eagle from 8.75 grams to 8.36 grams in the Act of June 28, 1834 was done to discourage hoarding and allow this denomination to circulate once again. The weight change corresponded with a change in design and the introduction of the Classic type, which would remain current only through 1838. Scarce in all Mint State grades due to the brevity of the series, most Classic half eagles obtained for high grade type purposes are examples of the first year 1834 issue of the Plain 4 date logotype.

For more information, or to bid, see:stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=447686

Lot 5355: American Bank Note Company Vignette Book

Beautifully rebound into deep olive green half-morocco. Green marbled covers with matching inside covers. Five raised bands on spine. Gilt titled ENGRAVINGS/AMERICAN/BANK NOTE/COMPANY. 3 Sample Proof Pages, 84 India paper intaglio engraved proof plates, on gilt edged cards, not interleaved with tissue guards. High quality, mostly all titled and/or numbered ABN vignette impressions.

Title page: THE AMERICAN BANK-NOTE COMPANY, 142 BROADWAY, CITY OF NEW YORK with view of headquarters; verso with three language advertising text. ''Atlantic & Pacific United'' Advertising Card. Important Lincoln, Bolivar and Grant proof ABNCo.sample card, bottom corners first U.S. stamp vignettes by Toppan, Carpenter & Co. The 84 other plates follow were mainly used on earlier obsolete notes, but some Latin American included. Two glossy-stock plates, the first with micro-lettered Declaration of Independence and the other medallion obverse and reverse of Washington and Mount Vernon. An impressive volume. Book plate for James Conway, Chicago inside.

For more information, or to bid, see:stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=450716

Lot 9009: Colonial Notes. GA-104a. Georgia. June 8, 1777 $2

For more information, or to bid, see:stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=451671

Lot 22198: CHINA Peiyang Tientsin Bank. 5 Taels, ND (1910)

One of the most attractive designs available within all of collectible currency with this Bradbury Wilkinson & Company design being seen with incredible color. A fully under-printed face design shows with dark green borders and facing dragons in ruby red at upper center with blue pearl of wisdom between. Multicolored character under-prints also add nice effect and a detailed portrait of Li Hung Chan is at upper center. Harbor vignette at lower center in black and branch name below. Back observed with heavy geometric lathe work and bold red and green color. The originality is unquestionable with deeply embossed serial numbers and the face and back impressions are both seen terrifically centered on the paper. Certainly the finest of the catalog number we have handled and worthy of a premium bid.

For more information, or to bid, see:stacksbowers.com/Auctions/AuctionLot.aspx?LotID=460167