Schulman b.v.
Auction 367 17 Jun 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Panama - 10 Centesimos n.d. (1919), Aluminium munten, Leper Colonies, PALO SECO Philadelphia mint. PALO SECO - CANAL ZONE. Rev. value. Round central hole.KM. Tn. 3.In 1904, the Republic of Panama and the United States signed the Panama Canal Treaty by which the United States became responsible for the public health within the Panama Canal Zone. A measure sought by the United States, so that they could treat sicknesses like yellow fever and malaria. Both which contributed greatly to the high mortality rate among the French engineers, which ultimately led to their failure in building the canal.
That same year, the American doctors discovered a group of 13 people suffering from leprosy living on a beach near Panama city. Arrangements with the Panamanian government were made for housing, food and care for the patients by the United States, in exchange for 75 cents a day per patient. In 1905 the project received more financial support, with eventually the establishment of the Palo Seco Leper Asylum on April 10, 1907.
By 1919, it was decided that tokens, only good at Palo Seco and backed by United States currency, would be made. The reasons for the tokens were as follows: fear of contagion of regular currency handled by patients; preventing purchase of prohibited articles by the patients; and being unable to accumulate wealth would serve as a deterrent to patients wishing to escape.
In 1952, the tokens were withdrawn and on November 28, 1955 most were destroyed. Of the $1800.00 tokes issued, $1492.75 was destroyed. The reason being: leprosy being mildly contagious; improvements in the treatment of patients; and silver money was thought to be self-sterilizing.
The reason such a high number of tokens were exchanged was because they were directly and immediately convertible into US dollars in the zone of their issue and circulation. The stigma of aforementioned infection, coupled with the fact that the tokens themselves are plain in design and struck from base metals, did not make them collectible at the time.
This is currently the highest graded example within PCGS population. Apart from some residue, the piece displays sharp details and as such, will be a worthy addition to the specialist's collection.RR, especially in this grade. Top pop! PCGS MS63
That same year, the American doctors discovered a group of 13 people suffering from leprosy living on a beach near Panama city. Arrangements with the Panamanian government were made for housing, food and care for the patients by the United States, in exchange for 75 cents a day per patient. In 1905 the project received more financial support, with eventually the establishment of the Palo Seco Leper Asylum on April 10, 1907.
By 1919, it was decided that tokens, only good at Palo Seco and backed by United States currency, would be made. The reasons for the tokens were as follows: fear of contagion of regular currency handled by patients; preventing purchase of prohibited articles by the patients; and being unable to accumulate wealth would serve as a deterrent to patients wishing to escape.
In 1952, the tokens were withdrawn and on November 28, 1955 most were destroyed. Of the $1800.00 tokes issued, $1492.75 was destroyed. The reason being: leprosy being mildly contagious; improvements in the treatment of patients; and silver money was thought to be self-sterilizing.
The reason such a high number of tokens were exchanged was because they were directly and immediately convertible into US dollars in the zone of their issue and circulation. The stigma of aforementioned infection, coupled with the fact that the tokens themselves are plain in design and struck from base metals, did not make them collectible at the time.
This is currently the highest graded example within PCGS population. Apart from some residue, the piece displays sharp details and as such, will be a worthy addition to the specialist's collection.RR, especially in this grade. Top pop! PCGS MS63