1865 Egypt Suez Canal Brass Token 20 Centimes Borel Lavalley et. Cie PCGS AU58
Description: A nice about uncirculated 1865 twenty centimes token issued by Borel Lavalley et. Companie during the work on digging the Suez Canal in Egypt. This token, which is not circular in shape but instead a 20-sided shape, has French script throughout. It shows a maritime scene consisting of a multi-sail ship on water, within a beaded circle, with the words "Travaux du Canal de Suez - Egypte" or "Suez Canal Works - Egypt" surrounding the scene on the obverse. The reverse has the denomination in the center in words "Bon Pour 20 Centimes" or "Good for 20 Centimes" again within a beaded circle. The reverse also indicates that the token was issued by "Borel Lavalley et Companie" or "Borel Lavalley and Company" and shows the date 1865. It is KM# TN-5 measures approximately 18 mm in diameter. The token is graded as About Uncirculated (AU) 58 by PCGS and comes in a plastic holder so labelled. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional Information: These tokens were issued during the construction of the Suez Canal for use as money by company employees. Construction of the canal began in 1859 and completed in 1869.
Date: 1865.
Mint: Most likely in France, but was used in Egypt during the excavation of the Suez Canal.
Size and weight: This is a 20 centimes and measure ~18 mm in diameter.
References: It is KM #TN5.
Condition: The token is graded as AU58 by PCGS and comes in a plastic holder so labeled. The token shows minimum wear and is has details that are very well preserved. It has a minimum of surface marks and looks just great. Please see photos for additional condition information.
