29mm. 9.9g. Reeded edge. Holed, as issued. Medal alignment. The Montreal-based North West Company was one of two dominant fur trading companies in British North America from 1779 through 1821, when it merged with its arch-rival, the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is believed these tokens, which were used in the trade with Indigenous peoples of the Pacific northwest, were struck in Birmingham, England by John Walker & Company. It is thought that the token was likely valued at one beaver pelt. In 1869, Alfred Sandham described the obverse bust as being that of George IV, while others have suggested it is that of George III, who died the year these tokens were manufactured. Most examples are seen in brass, but the issue is also known in copper with those examples being considerably rarer. Virtually all North West Company tokens are ground finds; they often show signs of environmental damage from burial.

This iconic copper rarity clearly spent considerable time below ground before its discovery and entry into the numismatic marketplace. The deep brown surfaces exhibit Fine detail with typical evidence of corrosion. Definition remains pleasing, and this would make a fantastic and important addition to any high-end collection of Canadian colonial or United States coinage. Listed in the 2022 Charlton token guide on page 218 and in the 2023 Guide Book on page 76.

From a Western Collection.