British Virgin Islands, BUCK ISLAND, One Buck [1958] (2), EIRENE above a goats head and value, rev. legend around map of the island; similar but dated 1961, cupro-nickel, 36mm (Lyall 134 and 135); Half-a-Buck [1958], similar, bronze, 29mm (Lyall 136) [3]. Extremely fine or better £40-£60

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, World Tokens, the Property of a North Country Collector.

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Provenance: first bt. Steve Eyer; others ex. K. V. Eckardt, 1977

The island was purchased in 1946 by William W. Bailey. He formed a partnership with Captain Robertson Smith and they built a harbour and air strip with the intention of promoting Buck Island as a tourist destination. Capt. Smith had the tokens made in 1958 and 1961 as promotional items, but they could also be redeemed for Coca-Cola on the island (One Buck = $1.00, Half-a-Buck = 50 cents). Capt. Smith stated that Eirene is Greek for Peace. It was claimed the British government took exception to this ‘private coinage’