How to Identify the Seven Types of Original-Dies Castorland Jetons
Sullivan, Chester L. (2025)
Book Summary
This paper offers a detailed taxonomy and census of the French Castorland jetons—first struck in 1796 with subsequent strikings extended into the nineteenth century. These jetons were struck privately by La Compagnie de New York to promote the company's large land holding in upstate New York. The paper identifies two categories of original-die jetons:Category One: Struck at the Monnaie des Médailles in Paris using thick flans and coin alignment. These consist of 100 bronzed copper and 673 silver specimens. Struck from the original dies, they show clearly identifiable die characteristics. Examples struck after Types 1 and 2, all show a die rust extrusion at the reverse vessel handle.
Category Two: Struck later at La Monnaie de Paris using thin flans and medal alignment. They sometimes show collar variations, die slippage, and some show an edge mark of a pointing hand followed by CUIVRE (copper) or ARGENT (silver). That mark was used between 1845 and 1860.
The document defines seven types, across both categories, based on the sequence of their striking, their flan thickness, presence of die rust, and in some cases edge marks. It provides diagnostic traits for identifying original strikes, such as specific letter spacing, alignment anomalies, and die rust extrusions. Following the typology, a comprehensive census lists known specimens by type, metal, provenance, grading, and distinguishing features, forming a crucial reference for collectors and researchers.
