Bahamas, CAT CAY, Cat Key Club, One Key, cat standing on key, rev. old water tower over value, brass, gilt finish, 38mm (Lyall 12); Half A Key, similar, brass, nickel finish, 30mm (Lyall 13); Half A Key, similar, brass, 30mm (cf. Lyall 15); Half A Key, similar, brass, 30mm, aluminiumised (?) finish (cf. Lyall 15, perhaps a later restrike); Half A Key, similar, brass, gilt finish, 30mm (Lyall 16) [5]. One fine, others extremely fine, all scarce £200-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Tankersley Collection of West Indian Coins and Tokens.

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Collection

Cat Cay is a small island 15 miles south of Bimini. It was purchased by Louis Rice Wasey of New York in 1931. He developed the island into a private pleasure resort. The tokens were introduced in 1946 and valued at US $1.00, 50 Cents, and 25 Cents; they were designed by Wasey’s daughter Jane, and used for gaming and as souvenirs. XRF testing shows the correct metallic make up, which differs from the compositions given by Lyall.