British Virgin Islands, BUCK ISLAND, One Buck, 1958, obv. eirene and one buck around goat’s head, rev. buck island b.v.i. and longitude/latitude around a map of the island, cupro-nickel, 36mm (Lyall 134). Uncirculated £20-£30

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Tankersley Collection of West Indian Coins and Tokens.

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The island was purchased in 1946 by William W. Bailey. He formed a partnership with Captain Robertson Smith and they built a harbour and airstrip 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 = US $1.00; Half-a-Buck = 50 Cents). Capt. Smith stated that Eirene is Greek for Peace. It was claimed that the British government took exception to this ‘private coinage’.