CVC & Collectables presents a highly sought-after 1858 copper token, issued by the Empresa del Yaracuy and attributed to J.B. Hellyer, is a fascinating artifact of regional Venezuelan commerce during a time of political and monetary fragmentation. Cataloged as Eklund 1233, the token was produced for use in Yaracuy and Urachiche, two localities struggling with coin shortages in the post-independence era.
Struck in copper and measuring 24 mm, this token carries the denomination of One Real and features an eye-catching snarling alligator motif, symbolizing strength and vigilance—possibly a nod to local wildlife or a metaphor for economic survival amid instability.
Token Highlights:
- Issuer: Empresa del Yaracuy / J.B. Hellyer
- Date: 1858
- Region: Yaracuy & Urachiche, Venezuela
- Denomination: 1 Real (token issue)
- Composition: Copper
- Diameter: 24 mm
- Catalog Reference: Eklund 1233
- Obverse: Snarling alligator motif, date below
- Reverse: Value and issuing entity (varies slightly between known dies)
- Strike: Crude, utilitarian—typical of emergency or provisional issues
Collectibility:
Highly collectible for its distinctive imagery, low mintage, and connection to regional Venezuelan token coinage, this 1858 One Real token is seldom encountered in attractive condition. The alligator design, combined with a clearly struck date and strong surfaces, makes this piece a standout for collectors of Latin American exonumia, Venezuelan tokens, or emergency coinage. Find more alike here!
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