17th Century Tokens, HMS Fairfax, John Pettie, Farthing, 1666, 2.15g/12h (N 9352; D London 969A). Fine, scarce £100-150

Provenance: Bt Seaby 1986.

John Pettie (†by 1684), purser of HMS Fairfax, a 52-gun frigate built at Chatham 1653, wrecked 1682. He is believed to be the only serving naval officer who issued tokens. Further information is given by Quentin Archer (TCSB June 2012, pp.261-7).