Canada (Nova Scotia): copper ferry token, Halifax Steam Boat Company, undated, ca. 1855-1870

Canada (Nova Scotia): copper ferry token, Halifax Steam Boat Company, undated, ca. 1855-1870

Obverse: HALIFAX STEAM BOAT COMPANY; three-masted sidewheeler steamboat sailing left.
Reverse: FERRY TOKEN.
Issuer: Halifax Steam Boat Company, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Specifications: copper, 20 mm, 3 g. Medal alignment. Plain edge.
Grade: PCGS MS63 RB; cert. #39065498.
Reference: Numista-102567, Breton-900, Atwood-Coffee-NS450A.
Provenance: ex-"jdmern", Collectors Universe, 7 October 2020.
Notes: per coinsandcanada.com, "This token was used on the ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth in the 1880s. During demolition of the ferry house, many of these were found." Stylistically, the steamboat on this token seems more consistent with the 1855-1870 issue date they cited than the 1880s date when the tokens are said to have been in circulation. Perhaps they were used for several decades. The shipping magnate Samuel Cunard, founder of the famous Cunard Line, which was later known for ships like Lusitania and Queen Mary, was a founding director of the Halifax Steam Boat Company.
Comments: This token has attractive luster with much original mint red remaining. I also found the ship on the obverse appealing, as I do quite like coins and tokens portraying ships. I also like coins and tokens of the Canadian Maritimes in general.
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008000S

 

Cost me eighty bucks delivered, in the slab, which I thought was reasonable, given the grade. I'm sure one could get a raw example for much less, particularly if circulated.

 

I know what you mean.

I wonder about the hoard of these tokens that were reportedly found when they tore the old ferry house down. What condition were they in? Were they worn or corroded, or did Mint State survivors like this one come from that hoard? I found that little tidbit of information quite interesting.