1757 Copper Jeton Betts-395 Plain Edge var Bust Franco-American

Coin Details

Description

This 1757 copper jeton (Betts-395) is a Franco-American piece with plain edge (PE) variant bust. The copper composition places this among the more broadly distributed versions of the Franco-American jeton series, as copper was less expensive than silver and allowed for larger production runs. The PE (plain edge) designation distinguishes this from the reeded edge variants, providing a diagnostic for identifying specific strikings. French colonial jetons in copper were functional pieces used by colonial administrators and institutional members, making surviving examples in good condition evidence of daily use in the colonial bureaucracy. The Betts series documents the full arc of European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere, from the earliest Spanish exploration medals through the diplomatic pieces marking American independence. The 1757 date represents a high point of French fortunes in North America before the tide turned decisively in Britain's favor in 1758-1759.

Rarity Notes

Original 1757 copper jeton. Plain edge variant. Franco-American series. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-395; Franco-American jeton 1757; copper; plain edge variant