1781 North American Token

Struck in Ireland, almost certainly much later than the 1781 date on the obverse of these tokens.  This issue seems to have circulated in Canada and has at best a tenuous connection to colonial America.  Still, with "American" written in the obverse legend, and most collectors taking an expansive view of what to include in their sets, it should not be terribly surprising that this issue has been collected as part of the American series since the mid 19th century.

These pieces were indifferently produced and struck from shallow dies intended to simulate wear and aide acceptance in commerce.  As a result, well struck and high grade survivors are legitimately rare.  Through 150 years of auction records and reference book photos we have seen none that we would consider to be better than AU (despite one notable catalog description to the contrary), though the existence of a truly uncirculated example has been rumored.