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Auction: 9017 - Ancient, British & Foreign Coins & Comm Medals
Lot: 726

x Nigeria, MacGregor Laird, copper tokens (2), both for 1/8-Penny or 1/400-Dollar, both dated AH1274 (c.1858), three-masted steamer left, rev. value (Vice 7 and 8), extremely fine, scarce (2) Estimate £ 150-180 These tokens were struck c. 1858 to replace the cowrie shells used at the MacGregor Laird trading factories in the Niger river basin. The first variety is considered a pattern. The ship is considerably less detailed, the most obvious difference being the lack of a funnel, and also there is no value above the ship. On the second piece, as well as a smoking funnel there is detail in the sails and on the hull of the ship and also the value in Arabic is given above the mainmast.

Sold for
£420