1596 Jeton Betts-18

Coin Details

Description

This 1596 jeton, Betts-18, is a small counter or reckoning piece related to American colonial affairs. Jetons served as calculating aids for merchants before widespread adoption of Arabic numerals, and also functioned as gaming tokens and commemoratives. This jeton connects to the era of intense European rivalry over New World territories and trade routes. The piece reflects the intersection of everyday commercial life and grand colonial ambitions during the Age of Exploration. Colonial-era medals were produced at royal mints, private workshops, and jewelers' studios across Europe, with production quality ranging from masterfully engraved official issues to crudely cast provincial pieces. Jetons with American themes from this early period are exceptionally rare and represent some of the most obscure yet historically significant pieces in the Betts catalog.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. 1590s jetons with American connections are among the scarcest Betts items.

Cross References

Betts-18