Lot 1538

Description

Bank of Ireland token, trial of pattern six shillings, 1804, struck in bronzed copper (ESC obverse die C, reverse an unfinished die showing clearly how Kuchler was to alter his Britannia design to Hibernia by using the Britannia punch as a starting point). Clear signs of double striking on the reverse also die engravers guide lines for centering device and rendering the new legend and roughly engraved changes in position for the arms of the seated figure and the replacement of the shield with a harp. A most interesting trial giving a specially preserved view of how the engraver worked up his new design. Even chocolate brown toned, nearly FDC and probably unique.

Ex Spink Noble Sale 40 (Important Irish Collection) (lot 1216).