Owner Comments:
Pictured above, is an undated token which has been variously known as a Kentucky Token, a Triangle Cent, or a Starry Pyramid Token. This semi proof-like specimen, with flashes of red, has been graded MS 63 BN by PCGS, with a CAC sticker affixed. Its W 8805 designation is characterized by a diagonally reeded edge. Only about 17 to 32 examples of this scarce variety exist today, (as opposed to the most common, plain edge variety, with an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 remaining pieces).
Walter Breen attributed these tokens to the talented young engraver, John Gregory Hancock, who worked at Obadiah Westwood's Birmingham, England Mint.
Although avidly collected by American colonial enthusiasts, the Kentucky Tokens are also considered part of the Conder Token Series, (Dalton & Hamer, Lancs. (Lancaster) No. 59b). Bowers believes these tokens never circulated in America, but, to the contrary, Breen claims that they were ordered by American merchants, and circulated widely along the eastern seaboard to fill a need caused by the Philadelphia Mint's insufficient production. Breen opined that, based upon the amount of wear they exhibited, the common plain edge variety were manufactured in large quantities for circulation, while the much rarer proof-like varieties, with deviant edge language or patterns, were specifically produced for Conder token collectors.
The Kentucky Token's obverse displays a hand holding a scroll on which is inscribed: "Our Cause Is Just". Many have noted that this language was used in Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality of April 1793. Louis Jordan however, has a far different explanation for its use - that it refers to Kentucky's long standing desire to secede from Virginia, and become an independent state. Additional surrounding language reads: "Unanimity Is The Strength Of Society". This motto can be traced to The Most Noble Order Of Bucks lodge, and a Masonic principal grade.
The reverse features a 15 star pyramid. Each of these interlinked stars has 12 points. Nine of the stars exhibit emanating rays. At the center of each star is a lettered abbreviation of the referenced states. If you start at the lower left of the pyramid and read across, you will first delineate the 13 original colonies, followed by Vermont, and finally Kentucky at the top - which accounts for the token's adopted name. Though undated, the tokens were probably struck some time between 6/1/1792, when Kentucky officially became the 15th state, and 1796 when Tennessee joined the Union as the next state.
Breen suggests that the imagery of the pyramid, and the use of "E Pluribus Unum" (from many one), are no accident. John Gregory Hancock drew upon elements of the United States' Great Seal, designed in 1782, with its all seeing Eye of God atop a pyramid (as also seen on the reverse of our present day one dollar bill) as symbolism that would resonate with the American public - and it did.
The Kentucky Tokens come in varying degrees of planchet thickness, and feature at least six unique edge wording or design variations. The often glossy planchets are generally of a very high quality. Single pieces were struck in silver and a white medal. In 1996, a hoard of 25 mint state pieces was found in England.