The Tankersley Collection of West Indian Coins and Tokens

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’.