Finding American Plantation Tokens – actually American in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Hunt for America’s First Colonial Money

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. If you’ve ever cracked open a bulk lot at an estate sale or thumbed through a dealer’s “world coin” box, you might have held one of these pieces without even realizing it. As a roll hunter and variety collector, I’ve spent years sifting through bank boxes, estate sale accumulations, and dealer bulk trays looking for that one overlooked piece of history that changes everything. Few areas of American numismatics offer the mystery, the controversy, and the genuine cherry-picking potential quite like the world of colonial tokens. And perhaps no series embodies that more than the enigmatic Plantation Tokens.

The question that haunts collectors—”Are these actually American?”—makes them all the more fascinating to pursue. Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned about finding, identifying, and evaluating these elusive pieces in the wild.

What Exactly Are Plantation Tokens?

Before you can cherry pick them, you need to know what you’re looking at. Plantation Tokens (sometimes called Plantation coinage) represent one of the earliest forms of coin-like money associated with the English colonies in North America. But here’s where it gets complicated—and interesting.

The Basic Specifications

• Date: Struck in England around 1688 under royal patent
• Composition: Originally struck in tin—not silver or gold
• Denomination: 1/24 real (the real being the most common coinage standard in the colonies at the time)
• Obverse: Depicts King James II on horseback
• Reverse: Features a rose with the inscription “PLANTATION”
• Restrikes: Restruck in 1828 from original dies—these are far more attainable for collectors

In my experience examining colonial material, the 1828 restrikes are what you’re most likely to encounter in bulk lots and estate accumulations. The originals struck in 1688 are exceptionally scarce and command significant premiums. Knowing the difference between an original and a restrike? That’s where the real cherry-picking money is made.

The Great Debate: Are They Actually American?

This is the question that fuels forum arguments and keeps historians up at night. I’ve examined dozens of these tokens over the years, and the answer depends entirely on how you define “American.”

The “Yes” Argument

Many collectors and numismatic references consider Plantation Tokens among the earliest coins or tokens made specifically for English America. They were authorized by royal patent for use in the colonies—specifically intended for Virginia Colony, though historians debate exactly how widely they circulated. If your definition of “American” encompasses the colonial period before independence, these tokens absolutely qualify.

The “No” Argument

Strict constructionists point out that these were manufactured in England before the United States existed. They were struck in tin by English minters, potentially influenced by tin mining interests rather than colonial commercial needs. There’s no definitive documentary evidence or detectorist find confirming these tokens actually circulated in the colonies. They may have been intended for colonial use but never actually made the journey across the Atlantic.

Where the Red Book Stands

Most standard references, including the Red Book, classify these as colonial American numismatic items rather than U.S. coins. This classification matters for collectors because it determines how they’re cataloged, priced, and sought after. As a cherry picker, understanding these classification nuances helps you identify mislabeled pieces in bulk lots—and that’s where the opportunities hide.

Why Roll Hunters Should Care About Colonial Tokens

You might be wondering: “If these are rare colonial pieces, how would I ever find one in circulation or a bulk lot?” Fair question. Here’s why colonial tokens—and Plantation Tokens specifically—deserve your attention.

The Misidentification Problem

The single biggest opportunity for cherry pickers is misidentification. Colonial tokens frequently appear in:

• Estate sale accumulations: Mixed in with foreign coins, old buttons, and miscellaneous brass
• Dealer bulk boxes: Labeled as “world tokens” or “old brass” without proper identification
• Token lots at auctions: Bundled with common 19th-century store cards and political tokens
• Flea market finds: Sold as curiosities without numismatic context

I’ve personally found colonial-era tokens in three of these four venues. The key is knowing what to look for when everything is jumbled together.

The “Tradition vs. Reality” Factor

As one experienced collector noted in a forum discussion, the more you learn about colonials, the more examples you find of coins and tokens collected as colonials solely because of tradition—traditions established in the 19th century. The Mott token, Franklin press tokens, Kentucky tokens, George Washington tokens, and London Elephant tokens all come to mind as pieces with questionable colonial provenance.

This creates a fascinating cherry-picking dynamic. Some tokens traditionally classified as colonials may not have circulated in America at all, while other pieces overlooked by traditional collectors may have genuine colonial connections. Understanding the difference requires research, but it’s research that pays off handsomely at the estate sale table.

How to Identify Plantation Tokens in the Wild

When you’re sorting through a bulk lot or examining a dealer’s token box, here’s your identification checklist:

Key Diagnostic Features

1. Material: Original Plantation Tokens were struck in tin. This is crucial—most collectors expect colonial pieces to be copper or brass. The tin composition makes them lighter and more susceptible to “tin pest,” a degradation process that causes tin to blacken and corrode over time.
2. Size: These are small tokens, consistent with their 1/24 real denomination.
3. Imagery: Look for King James II on horseback on one side. The reverse should feature a rose with “PLANTATION” inscribed.
4. Surface Quality: Tin pieces will show different wear patterns than copper or brass. Expect darkening, possible corrosion, and a distinctly different luster profile.

Original vs. Restrike: The Critical Distinction

This is where cherry pickers can make serious money. The 1828 restrikes were produced from original dies but are far more common than the 1688 originals. Here’s how to approach the distinction:

• Originals (1688): Extremely scarce. Sharp details, period-appropriate wear, and provenance documentation when available. These command significant premiums.
• Restrikes (1828): More attainable but still collectible. May show sharper details than originals due to less age-related degradation. Die characteristics may differ subtly.
• Modern reproductions: Be wary of later casts or reproductions. Weight, edge characteristics, and surface texture will differ from period strikes.

In my experience, most Plantation Tokens appearing in estate sales and bulk lots are restrikes. Finding an original in such a venue would be a major cherry-picking triumph—the kind of find you talk about for years.

Where to Search: A Roll Hunter’s Strategy

Let me share the specific venues and strategies I’ve used to find colonial tokens, including Plantation Tokens.

Estate Sales: The Goldmine

Estate sales remain my top source for colonial material. Here’s why: collectors who assembled collections in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s often acquired pieces based on the traditional classifications of their era. When these collections hit the market through estate sales, the tokens are frequently:

• Mixed with foreign coins and miscellaneous items
• Priced based on metal content rather than numismatic value
• Misidentified or unidentified entirely

Arrive early, bring a magnifying glass, and don’t be afraid to dig through the “junk” boxes. That’s where the Plantation Tokens hide.

Dealer Bulk Boxes

Many dealers maintain boxes of tokens priced at $1 to $5 each. These are often the overflow from larger purchases—pieces too common for individual pricing but too interesting to scrap. Colonial tokens frequently end up here, especially when purchased as part of larger collections.

My strategy: visit dealers who specialize in world coins or tokens rather than exclusively U.S. material. These dealers are more likely to have colonial pieces mixed into their inventory, and they may not have the specialized knowledge to identify every piece correctly.

Online Auctions and Forums

While not “circulation” in the traditional sense, online token lots represent a form of bulk hunting. Search for:

• “Colonial token lots”
• “Old brass tokens”
• “Virginia tokens”
• “James II tokens”
• “Tin tokens”

Sellers using generic descriptions may not realize what they have. I’ve acquired colonial pieces this way for fractions of their catalog value.

Detectorist Finds

While there’s no confirmed detectorist find of a Plantation Token in America—which itself feeds into the controversy—metal detectorists regularly uncover colonial-era coins and tokens. Building relationships with local detectorists can give you first access to fresh finds before they hit the market.

Authentication: Separating Genuine Pieces from Fantasy Issues

Authentication is critical when cherry picking colonial tokens. The field is riddled with fantasy pieces, restrikes of uncertain origin, and outright fakes. Here’s my authentication framework:

Weight and Specific Gravity

Tin has a distinct weight profile compared to brass, copper, or lead. A genuine Plantation Token should feel noticeably lighter than a brass token of similar size. If you have access to a precision scale, weigh suspicious pieces and compare them to known specimens.

Die Characteristics

Study the die characteristics of known originals and restrikes. The 1828 restrikes were made from original dies, so they should share die markers with 1688 originals. However, die deterioration, rust, or damage accumulated between 1688 and 1828 may create subtle differences that reveal a piece’s true nature.

Edge Examination

Struck tokens should show specific edge characteristics consistent with the minting process. Cast reproductions will show different edge textures—often smoother or with visible mold lines. I always examine edges under magnification when evaluating potential colonial pieces.

Surface Analysis

Genuine period pieces will show age-appropriate surface characteristics:

• Natural toning or oxidation consistent with the metal type
• Wear patterns consistent with circulation or long-term storage
• No signs of artificial aging or chemical treatment
• For tin pieces: possible tin pest or darkening, but not a uniform, artificial patina

The Broader Colonial Token Landscape

Understanding Plantation Tokens requires context within the broader world of colonial numismatics. Here are related series you should study to sharpen your cherry-picking skills:

Related Colonial Series

• NE Tokens: The first actual coins struck in America, minted in Boston from 1652 to 1662
• Pine Tree Shillings: Also minted in Boston, 1652–1662, among the most iconic colonial coins
• London Elephant Tokens: No American provenance despite colonial-era dating
• Kentucky Tokens: Collected as colonials due to tradition, though their actual circulation is debated
• Mott Tokens: Cited as one of the most absurd examples of tradition-based colonial classification

Each of these series has its own authentication challenges and cherry-picking opportunities. The more you know about the full landscape, the better equipped you are to spot misidentified pieces hiding in plain sight.

Valuation and Market Realities

Let’s talk money. What can you expect to pay—and to earn—when cherry picking Plantation Tokens?

Current Market Ranges

• 1828 Restrikes (VG–F condition): $50–$150 depending on condition and eye appeal
• 1828 Restrikes (VF–XF condition): $150–$400
• 1688 Originals: Significantly higher, often $1,000+ even in lower grades
• Misidentified in bulk lots: Potentially $1–$20 if the seller doesn’t recognize what they have

That spread between bulk lot pricing and proper numismatic pricing? That’s your profit margin as a cherry picker. A restrike purchased for $5 in a dealer’s bulk box and properly identified could return 10 to 30 times that investment.

Factors Affecting Value

1. Original vs. Restrike: The single most important factor
2. Condition: As with all numismatics, condition is king
3. Provenance: Documented ownership history adds a meaningful premium
4. Surface Quality: Clean, naturally aged surfaces outperform damaged or cleaned pieces every time
5. Market Demand: Colonial material has a dedicated but specialized collector base

Building a Colonial Token Cherry-Picking Library

Knowledge is your most valuable tool. Here are the references I recommend for anyone serious about hunting colonial tokens:

• A Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book): The standard reference for colonial classifications
• Colonial Coins & Tokens of the United States: Specialized references for serious research
• Numismatic Bibliomania Society publications: Scholarly articles on colonial monetary history
• Colonial Newsletter: The go-to periodical for colonial coin research
• Online auction archives: Study past sales to understand pricing trends and identification markers

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of America’s First Money

Plantation Tokens occupy a unique and controversial place in American numismatics. Whether they actually circulated in the colonies remains an open question—one that may never be definitively answered. But that uncertainty is precisely what makes them so compelling to collectors and so rewarding to cherry pick.

As a roll hunter, I’ve learned that the best finds often come from the most overlooked places. A tin token mixed into a box of foreign coins at an estate sale. A brass piece labeled as “old world token” in a dealer’s bulk tray. A lot of miscellaneous colonials at a regional auction where nobody else did the research.

The Plantation Token represents the very beginning of America’s monetary story—a story of colonial ambition, English manufacturing, and the eternal question of what it means to be “American.” Whether you view these tokens as genuine colonial currency or as well-intentioned pieces that never crossed the Atlantic, their historical significance is undeniable.

For the cherry picker willing to do the homework, study the diagnostics, and hunt through the bulk lots, Plantation Tokens offer something rare in modern collecting: genuine discovery potential. You might just find a piece of 1688—or an 1828 restrike hiding in plain sight—that changes your collection forever.

Keep hunting. Keep researching. And always, always check the tin tokens.

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