O. Ffrench & Co. Cent. Brass. Uniface; 5 Cents. Copper-nickel. Sieg 17, 23; OBC 22, 23; Higgie 420, 425. The first rare. Light stain at edge. Very Fine. The latter, light scratches obverse center. Good Very Fine. 2 pieces. (Est. $225-$275)
The first issuer in the private token series of 1887-1890's, Oscar A. Ffrench was born in St. Thomas. His name was much mentioned in the civil registry of the time. Ffrench was a shopkeeper from 1869 and the owner of a 'rum dispensary' (a groghouse) from 1871. It is noted that in 1880, he lived at Dronningensgade 25 in Charlotte Amalie. According to the official record of the Chief of Police, Ffrench issued tokens to the value of $840; issuing them before Sept. 7, 1887. The firm of Oscar Ffrench & Co. was taken over by C.A. Daniel.
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