AKSHCC
C.1670 BRASS NEW YORKE IN AMERICA 1/4P

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Little was known about this early enigmatic token until the landmark research of John Kleeberg, published in 1992. Its extreme rarity (there are 24 known examples, of which 5 reside in museums) suggests it was an experimental pattern piece. It was probably fashioned in England, and intended as a trade token. It was created at the direction of Francis Lovelace, the 2nd governor of New York (1668-1673), and was the first token displaying the words New York, albeit in the then terminology "New Yorke". Most are made of brass, although some lead examples exist. The obverse depicts Cupid ensnaring Psyche in his "lace of love", and may have been intended as a rebus of the name Lovelace. The reverse displays the spread eagle from the Lovelace family seal. Lovelace was ousted from power when the Dutch took over New York.