PT-630.05 (SORRACO, S. 5 cents)
Scale: 8 pixels equals one millimeter
|
Obverse Design
|
The legend "S. SORRACO" curves along the top.
Horizontally across the bottom is the legend "COLON".
Below "COLON" near the bottom edge is a small five-point star with a dot on
either side. Above "COLON" is an ornament consisting of a fleur-de-li with
four ornate branches.
The token has denticles along the edge and a smooth plain raised edge.
|
|
Reverse Design
|
In the center is a large "5". The word "CENTS" curves along the bottom of the
token. On either side of the "5" is an ornate scroll ornament.
The token has denticles along the edge and a smooth plain raised edge.
|
|
Metal
|
White metal, probably copper-nickel.
|
Size and Shape
|
Round, 20 mm in diameter.
|
|
Dates Issued
|
After 1850, and perhaps before Panama's independence in 1903. Probably issued
in the 1880's.
|
|
Issurer
|
S. Sorraco.
|
|
Mintage
|
Unknown.
|
|
Rarity
|
Common.
|
Manufacturer
|
Unknown.
|
Source
|
Bernal #376, Eklund #1070, Henkle's Colon #40,
Mizrachi's F-259 (photo),
Rulau's Col 65, Plumer page #9, Scott page 58, Ulex #2241.
|
|
Varieties
|
None known for S. Sorraco. The same reverse is featured on at least four tokens,
all from Colon; Henry de Lisser, Santiago Garcia, S. Sorraco and
Wing Chong Yuen Type #3.
|
|
Function
|
Merchant token.
|
|
Population Count
|
Known specimens are as follows:
- Specimen cited by Bernal in his catalog.
- Specimen cited by Eklund in his catalog.
- Henkle lists 11 sales and three collection specimens.
- Majilton Specimen, sold at the Jess Peters January 1975
Auction in Miami Beach, Florida, as Lot #205.
- Specimen pictured in Mizrachi's catalog.
- Banco National de Panama Specimen pictured in Conte Porras's work and cited by Henkle.
- Specimen cited by Scott in his catalog.
- Specimen cited by Ulex in his catalog.
- 'gpz2000' Specimen, sold on ebay by 'quill@dmv.com' on January 2, 2001 for $40.
- Plowman Specimen, pictured above, sold on ebay by Cora Hudson ('thumpa') on
January 31, 2002 for $16 + $4 shipping.
- 'ihenao' Specimen, sold on ebay by 'carenner' on March 12, 2002 for $48.
|
|
Notes
|
Colon was founded by the Panama Railroad Company in 1850 as the Atlantic terminus
of the Panama Railroad. Later, Colon became the Atlantic terminus of the Panama
Canal. The 1880's were a boom-time for Colon as the French attempt to build the
Panama Canal was underway.
|
|
