This section which we title “Colonial Coinage” includes the obvious, coins made prior to our nation’s independence, as well as coins made after 1776 but before the establishment of a U.S. Mint in Philadelphia in 1792. Washington Pieces were dated from 1783 to 1795 and are also traditionally listed as Colonial Coins although they are of English origin and in some cases struck well after their dates.
Colonial coins make up a fascinating segment of American Numismatics. They run the gambit from major rarities worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to interesting and historically significant pieces that are amazingly inexpensive.
Silver Shilling. Struck briefly in England by Cecil Calvert before production was stopped by the English government which didn't allow the export of precious metals to the colonies. Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, was arrested in October of 1659. This is a very pleasing Large Bust shilling that is well detailed with nice dove-gray surfaces. Only 30 or so examples have been graded at PCGS in all grades.
St. Patrick 1/2P. Mark Newby came to America from Dublin, Ireland in 1681 with copper pieces believed to have been struck between 1663 and 1672. The New Jersey General Assembly made these legal tender in 1682. This is an exceptionally nice example with glossy brown surfaces and no marks or planchet flaws.
Engrailed Edge.
UNC Detail - Cleaned. Plain Edge.
A lovely original coin with somewhat reflective mint red surfaces.
Oak Tree 2 Pence. Small 2, Noe-30. Strong detail on a nice problem-free flan with pleasing gunmetal-gray surfaces that have no distracting marks. Excellent eye appeal!
Halfpenny. No 'P'. 'VOOE'.
Halfpenny. Period. Well struck with no significant marks. The surfaces are a rich glossy brown with iridescent lavender and ice-blue hues.
Halfpenny.
Ship Token. Wreath below ship. Struck in pewter. A propaganda piece struck in England to persuade the Dutch colonists to sign the Treaty of Armed Neutrality during the American Revolution. The obverse shows the flagship of admiral Howe at anchor while the reverse depicts the retreat of American forces from Rhode Island in 1778. The inscriptions are in Dutch.
CAC. Ship Token. Wreath below ship. A propaganda piece struck in England to persuade the Dutch colonists to sign the Treaty of Armed Neutrality during the American Revolution. The obverse shows the flagship of admiral Howe at anchor while the reverse depicts the retreat of American forces from Rhode Island in 1778. The inscriptions are in Dutch. This beautiful example is tied for the finest graded at PCGS and is CAC approved.
NCS. XF Details-Holed. Shilling, Long Worm.
CAC. Shilling. Short Worm. High R-4. Attractive light gray surfaces that are surprisingly problem-free. Quite attractive and desirable.
Washington & Independence Cent, Draped Bust, No Button, Copper Restrike, Engrailed Edge. Nice mirrored surfaces with a rich chestnut brown color.
Nice glossy medium brown surfaces with just a trace of 'friction'.
Mail Bust Left, Laughing Head.
Halfpenny. Vlack 23-88A. Thomas Machin and his partners minted these imitation British Halfpennys in Newburgh, Ulster County, NY. This is an exceptionally choice example with lustrous light chocolate brown surfaces that are wonderfully original and problem-free. The strike is much better than typically seen and the centering is perfect. A single coin has graded finer at NGC. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Educational Society.