David Griffiths Reference Library of Token Books

Pye, C., A Representation of Provincial Copper Tokens, Tokens of Trade and Cards of Address, Circulated Between 1787 and 1801. Engraved by Charles Pye of Birmingham. The Original Notes Have Been Extended Wherever Possible. 3rd printer’s proof edn, Leamington Spa, Privately Printed at the Courier Press for Arthur W. Waters, 1916. 4to, contemporary quarter leather, green boards, edges gilt. Title on spine ‘Pye’s Provincial Tokens 1801’ 8vo title page from Pye’s 1796 Provincial Copper Coins or Tokens, issued between the Years 1787 and 1796, Engraved by Charles Pye of Birmingham From the originals in his own Possession tipped-in; 18 pp. from 1801 edition (Provincial Coins and Tokens Issued from the Year 1787 to the Year 1801, Names of Die-sinkers and Manufacturers, Advertisement and Index; Section title page ‘Plates and Notes’, 5pp. of index relating to the plate opposite printed on verso only, 55 engraved plates (of tokens), (1-52, 15*, 18* & 35*); reprint of title page, dedication and x pp. introduction of Sharp’s Catalogue of the Chetwynd Collection of Tokens; Title page of third edition; on title verso, edition number in Waters’ hand (printer’s proof copy of an edition of 23), two printed notices of publication pasted in (the book sold for 50 shillings); Preface by Waters, the word ‘and’ in the eleventh line of the preface, which is crudely corrected in the published version, is corrected here in manuscript; reprint of title page of first edition (Provincial Coins and Tokens Issued from the Year 1787 to the Year 1801); reprint of title page of second edition (A Correct and Complete Representation of all the Provincial Copper Coins, Tokens of Trade, and Cards of Address, on Copper, Which were circulated as such between the years 1787 and 1801); Names of Die-sinkers and Manufacturers; 2pp. reprint of Pye’s original preface or Advertisement; 7pp. reprint of Catalogue of Provincial & Other Coins, which was the first token sale of note, the collection of Thomas Welch. A number of additions in Waters’ hand with accompanying photographic, hand drawn and printed illustrations cut to size and pasted in. Handwritten note on the front pastedown by Waters, ‘with this copy are bound the title page & introduction taken from the rare privately printed Sharp’s Catalogue of the Chetwynd Collection of Tokens as well as the text from the third edition of Pye’s Tokens privately printed in 1916. Some extra illustrations are likewise inserted.’ A most remarkable copy of a most remarkable book. Unique (Manville 763). £1,500-2,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The David Griffiths Reference Library of Token Literature.

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Provenance: Ex libris A.W. Waters; Dr R.J. Hudson; Ted Craige; bt G.F. Kolbe April 1983.

Edition of 23 copies