One-Piece "Quebec Militia 1775" Coat Button / Canadian Token

Extremely rare, Very nice non-excavated example with a good amount of gold gilt left in places, my photo just does not show it. The face of the button has the words "QUEBEC MILITIA" above the crown with the numbers "1775" below. The shank has been ground off on this example. Due to a lack of standardized coinage, these buttons had the shanks ground off and were used as currency. Used as a ½ penny/token. The Quebec Militia, was stationary in Quebec, for defense of the city, in case of invasion, before and during the war of 1812. For almost 50 years, this has been hidden away in one collection, and out of the limelight.

Backmark: Blank

Measures: 25.90 mm

Description from auction below.

Quebec Militia 1/2 Penny Token (Button) 1775 Genuine NGC, MB-4 (Rare). Plain edge. Uniface, with shank removed on reverse and the button used as a 1/2 Penny token. The design, date, and legend are all quite clear, with several gouges by the "1" of the date. Around VF condition. Sold with old collector envelope detailing provenance.

Purchased from Warren Baker on August 23, 1973

From the Donald G. Partrick Collection