Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

Tokens (Early 19th century), Douglas, Douglas Bank Co (William Littler, Robert Littler and James Dove), 5 Shillings, 1811, the douglas bank co, etc, rev. Peel Castle, edge plain, 15.21g/12h (D 1; Prid. 46; KM. Tn 14; cf. Spink 224, 1529 and DNW 129, 504; cf. Cain 2770). Trifling hairlines, otherwise brilliant and virtually as struck with full reverse detail, reflective fields and sharp rims, struck like a Proof, very rare £6,000-8,000

Provenance: V.M. Brand Collection; Bowers & Ruddy Auction (New Orleans), 28 July-1 August 1981, lot 3427; acquired from the estate of Mrs Joan Collins, née Tattersall, who was an active collector of Manx coins in the early 1970s known to the late Hilary Guard.

The Douglas Bank Co was founded on 29 November 1811 by William Scarlett Littler, Revd. Robert Littler and James Dove. W.S. Littler had moved from Peel to Douglas in the spring of 1811, which perhaps explains the use of Peel Castle on the tokens. The bank’s premises were in Fort street, Douglas. Robert Littler sought to leave the island shortly after the tokens appeared, but Dove brought an action against him for £1,000, following which the clergyman was arrested and imprisoned. Not to be outdone, William Littler brought proceedings against Dove in the Chancery Court. On 3 January 1812 the clergyman was freed and the Douglas Bank Co wound up