The East India Company marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with a new proof coin range

The Boston Tea Party, that took place on December 16, 1773, was a protest organized by the Sons of Liberty, a group of American colonists, against the British government’s imposition of a tax on tea. Disguised as Native Americans, the protestors boarded three British ships docked in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, causing substantial financial loss to the British East India Company. This act of defiance fuelled the flames of revolution and played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, ultimately leading to the birth of a new nation.

However, while it was a trigger point, the existing conflicts were more deeply rooted. The British had attempted to secure lands to the west for Native Americans, for example, something fought against by the colonists and other colonial powers. While pushed as a fight against oppressive tyranny, like most historical events, it’s considerably more nuanced, and the war was certainly no fight between good and evil, the popular narrative.

We’re great admirers of the Icons of Inspiration bullion coin series, and the chief reason for that is the excellent work by artist Joel Iskowitz. His work on this coin is equally outstanding, managing to encapsulate the core of the event in a single scene, exhibiting natural perspective without glaring compromises. We’d say that Iskowitz certainly understands his canvas perfectly. Indeed, the whole coin is a fine commemoration of the event.

There are six coins in the range, headlined by a gold pair in 5 oz and 1 oz weights. Silver is very well served, with 1 oz 2 oz, 5 oz, and 1 kg weights. All are struck to a proof finish, with the notable exception of the 2 oz silver, which is both antique finished, and struck to a high relief. We don’t have good images of that one yet, but may revisit with a Quicklook when we do. The presentation of each coin is first class, with a nicely themed box, including some actual tea, a fact-packed booklet, and even a board from the period game Nine Man’s Morris, on its base. A great release, it will go on sale at the end of the month, and you can register interest HERE.