New Yorke in America Farthing or Halfpenny Token
The “New Yorke in America” undated colonial coin is a Farthing or Halfpenny token intended for use in the New York colony. This token was issued by Francis Lovelace who was the Governor of the Colony of New York from 1668 to 1673. Lovelace had strong input into the design of the token.
The old spelling of York( e) with an “e” on the end was popular and common prior to 1710. The designs are, to say the least, very unusual. The obverse depicts a male Cupid with his bow approaching a forest of trees as he is also pursuing the Goddess Psyche who is shown with butterfly wings attached to her back. There is a mythological story of the love between Cupid and Psyche.
The reverse of the coin displays a heraldic eagle with its wings down but spread. Around the periphery is “NEW YORKE IN AMERICA”. There are but a handful of the tokens that are known, making this RARE in all grades. Approximately 20 are recorded in brass and four specimens were made of lead. There are also a few existent specimens known in pewter.
The New Yorke in America token was produced in England as a trade token and might actually have never seen circulation in New Yorke Colony. It is likely that the token was planned and struck prior to 1673, but it might not have been struck in sufficient quantity nor released as all token coinage was repealed in 1673 and was replaced by Royal coinage.
Obviously, a number of these tokens did circulate as there are no uncirculated specimens known,
| Date | Type | Mintage | VG Value | XF Value |
| Undated | Brass/Copper | 20 Known | $12,500 | $65,000 |
| Undated | Pewter/Lead | 4 known | $12,500 | $80,000 |
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