Kent 1a (RR). Gravesend. Æ halfpenny. 9.13 gm. 27 mm. Made by Denton for sale (Waters correction of D&H). 1797. A Gravesend boat sailing left; GRAVESEND TOKEN / A crown and a naval coronet between laurel sprigs; NAVAL PENNY around above; 17-97 below. Uncirculated; lightly toned over original surfaces with mint red particularly on reverse; a slight spot on the obverse and the reverse. This example has an uncommonly high rim around the edges. The edge is plain with vertical marks suggesting the flan was oversized and forced into what served as the collar.

This is a rare and dramatic token of exceptional design that has commanded strong prices. The Wayne Anderson piece, ex Jan, sold for $5310 in 2000. Baldwin sold an example in 2006 for about $3000 US including the commission. The R.S. Brown example (ex Noble) sold for just under $2500 in 2009. The reverse die was weak, accounting for the limited number of pieces known. The dies on this piece are fully intact. It is possible that this was an early trial of the die.