Lot 1721

Description

Sierra Leone, bronzed copper proof penny, 1791, 30.9 mm, (16.9 grams), (KM.2.2, See Vice 8, Vice 5 [p.220]). FDC.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 54 (lot 3542). This issue is a lightweight version of the Sierra Leone Company issue struck on a smaller flan. Ordered by Macaulay in December 1813. The obverse was struck from the old Company fifty cent die. It is visually distinguishable from the old Company penny by the presence of two blades of grass below the S of Sierra. The design was rejected by Macaulay in favour of the token possessing an anti-slavery device. Restruck in later years under the misconception that they represented the original Sierra Leone Company penny.