I just haggled over this Magdalen Island One Penny. I wouldn't say I overpaid for it but can't say it is a great bargain either, I do think it was struck on a porous and defective planchet, I would say it might have Very Good details at best. Although planchet quality does not take away from the grade of the coin it might make the eye appeal to some collectors less attractive. I got it for under $100.00 but hey, any Canadian Colonial token collector wants one of these for their collection and I am going to happily live with this hole filled. Any thoughts? I especially wonder if others agree on my description and grade. The lines do not appear to be scratches on the coin itself, more like on the original blank or even the dies. Thanks!
I googled this information ... Sir Isaac Coffin received the Magdalen Islands as a reward for his naval service to Britain during the American War of Independence. In 1815 he had penny tokens struck for use on the Magdeline Islands apparently believing he had the right to do so as Baronet. He may have visited the Islands in 1815 bringing the tokens with him but he did not stay long, being elected as a member of Parliament for Illchester in 1818. The tokens were used on the Island, most show wear brought about by circulation. On the Obverse is obviously a seal. Reads MAGDALEN ISLANDS TOKEN 1815. The Reverse reads SUCCESS TO THE FISHERY ONE PENNY. It is a fish that has been split and dried.
It used to be possible to find them like 25-30 years ago in somewhat decent condition for not very much money. I wished I had gotten one then - they were sort of like the 19th century "Lundy Island" issue where they were made illegal after they were issued.
Wow ... cool coin, brother!! => man, where have you been!! (I was gonna contact the ol' Bus Drivers of America, but I got side-tracked!! .... oooowww, something shiny!!) ... anyway ... I'm glad to hear that you're still around and collecting coins!! You rock, comrade!! (Cheers, to the The Neverending Story!!)
Really cool coin! I love Canadian tokens and consider them to be an undiscovered bargain if you compare them to US tokens. I know this one was pricy, but I have a bunch of tokens similar to it that I got for not too much money. Success to the fisheries and speed the plow are on a couple that come to mind.
Thanks for the comments and Steve I have been fishing all summer. Haven't really bought any coins but since I am back on the bus, I'll have a little extra jingle to spend on stuff. I am still trying to navigate the new site layout here and I think it is improved but not used to it yet. Pop in and read every now and then.
Looks like it was struck on a normal planchet, but corroded. I have seen Canadian tokens of similar composition found in the ground and on the beach, looking exactly like that. Here is a rare specimen strike, of that same token: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Canada-Colon...agdalen-Island-Penny-ICCS-SP-64-/321200193241
Wow Ottawa, That's some listing. 9000.00 + coin I guess I can live with mine for under 100.00. Either corroded or defective it still is plenty identifiable. Thanks for your assessment. Here's the images for your link because they might go away.
