The Tankersley Collection of West Indian Coins and Tokens

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.