Stiphout writes:Â Recently we have bought a copper coin from LUNDY Island, value is “one puffin” and the year is 1929. From the same series we already had a “half puffin” also dated 1929. Where can we find more about LUNDY coins???
Lundy is an island near Devonshire England. It has an area of 4.22 square km and a population less than 50. There are two lighthouses and a bird sanctuary on the island.
Martin Coles Harman bought the island in 1925 for £16,000 and about four years later struck a token coinage called “puffins” after the birds that lived there. Though the courts ruled the coinage illegal, there is a great deal of sentimental value associated with this private issue. Wealthy businessman Jack Haywood purchased Lundy in 1965 for £150,000 and gave it to the British people.
The tokens consist of the following: (prices are for uncirculated pieces)
- bronze 1/2 puffin dated 1929 mintage: 50,000 –Â Value range: $15-$20.
- bronze 1/2 puffin dated 1965 (proof only) Value range: less than $10.
- Nickel-brass 1/2 puffin dated 1965 -mintage: 3,000 (proof only) $10 or less.
- gold 1/2 puffin dated 1965 -mintage:50 (proof only) $1,000 – $1,500
- bronze puffin dated 1929 – mintage: 50,000 $10-$20.
- bronze puffin dated 1965 – mintage: 3,000 (proof only) -less than $10
- nickel-brass puffin dated 1965 – mintage: 3,000 (proof only) – less than $10.
- gold puffin dated 1965 – mintage: 50 (proof only) – $2,000 – $2,500
There also exists an 1929 Puffin pattern in bronze with a plain edge on a large flan. Value range about $150+.
