wm crouch.

FRIARSC ROFT,

AYLESBURY.

THE

COINAGE

OF

WILLIAM WOOD,

1722-1733.

PHILIP NELSON, M.D.,

MEMBER OF THE NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF LONDON.

REPRINTED FROM THE “ NUMISMATIC CHRONICLE.”

"OMNE TULIT PUNCTUM QUI MISCUIT UTILE DULCI.”

BRIGHTON :

W. C. WEIGHT, 76, SHIP STREET.

1903.

PRICE FOUR SHILLINGS, NETT.

3

& VZ

f S- fc/i //©A

THE

COINAGE

OP

WILLIAM WOOD,

1722-1733.

BY

PHILIP NELSON, M.D.,

MEMBER OF THE NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF LONDON.

“OMNE TULIT PUNCTUM QUI MISCUIT UTILE DULCI.”

BRIGHTON :

W. C. WEIGHT, 76, SHIP STREET.

1903.

3

PREFACE.

I have endeavoured in the following pages to bring together all that is now known concerning the life of William Wood, and also all the information I could glean concerning the various coins issued by him and his representatives subsequent to his decease. For much useful information I am indebted to Crosbie’s “ Early Coinage of America,” Simon’s “ Irish Coins,” and the “ Dictionary of National Biography.” In regard to the early issue of coins for use in the Isle of Man, although we have no documentary evidence to connect them with William Wood, yet, on account of the marked similarity in style and execution, and, above all, the fact of their issue being simultaneous with those for Ireland and the American Colonies, I think we are quite justified in attributing them to him. In this view I find myself supported by the late Dr. Clay, who touches on this point in his “ Manx Currency.” All the coins emanating from the mint of William Wood show great beauty of design and execution, though the weights of individual specimens show con- siderable differences. We must readily admit, however, that they were infinitely superior to any copper currency that had made its appearance up to that time, and indeed to any subsequent issue until 1797, at which time Boulton and Watt issued from the Soho Mint their magnificent copper coinage, struck by steam-power.

I have throughout this work given the weight of the coins in grains troy. The specimens which are illus- trated throughout this book are almost all in my own cabinet. I take this opportunity of recording my thanks to J. B. Caldecott, Esq., R. A. Hoblyn, Esq.,

4

PREFA.CE.

W. Latimer, Esq., and H. A. Greuber, Esq., all of whom have freely given much valuable information from their rich store of knowledge. At the same time I must acknowledge my indebtedness to Messrs. Spink for the loan of those blocks which illustrate the section on con- temporary forgeries of the Isle of Man Coinage of 1733.

In conclusion, I should like to add that, as in the writing of books there is no end, so in like manner I am well aware that all that might have been written concerning William Wood and his work is not recorded here, since space had to be considered. Should any reader have aught Avhich he considers worthy of com- munication concerning this subject, the author will be very happy to hear from him at any time.

73 Rodney Street, Liverpool, W.

ruiLir Nelson.

5

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER

Table of Plates

I. Brief Life of William Wood .

II. Coinage for Ireland

III. Coinage for the American Colonies IY. Coinage for the Isle of Man

Index ......

PAGE

7

9

18

25

33

43

TABLE OF PLATES.

PLATE I. — Irish Coins.

NO.

1.	Halfpenny Pattern .	1722	P.N.
2.	Halfpenny Pattern .	1722	P.N
3.	Halfpenny Pattern, Rev.	1723	P.N
4.	Halfpenny, Rev.	1723	P.N
5.	Halfpenny Pattern, Rev.	1724	B.M
6.	Halfpenny Pattern .	1724	B.M
7.	Halfpenny Pattern .	1724	E.A.H
8.	Farthing Pattern .	1722	P.N
9.	Farthing	1723	P.N
10.	Farthing Pattern	1724	B.M
11.	Farthing Pattern .	1724	R.A.H
12.	Medalette, Chas. I.	1628	E.A.H
13.	Penny, Elizabeth .	. circ. 1600	P.N

	PLATE II. — Rosa Americana Coins.
1.	Twopence Pattern .		1722	B.M
2.	Twopence		1722	B.M
3.	Twopence		1722	P.N
4.	Penny, Rev. .		1722	P.N
5.	Penny, Rev. .		1722	P.N
6.	Halfpenny		1722	P.N
7.	Halfpenny, Rev.		1722	P.N
8.	Halfpenny Pattern, Rev.		1723	P.N
9.	Halfpenny		1723	P.N
10.	Twopence Pattern .		1724	J.B.C.
11.	Twopence Pattern .	•	1733	B.M

8

TABLE OF PLATES.

PLATE III. — Manx Coins.

No.

1.	Penny Pattern ....	1723	P.N.
2.	Halfpenny Pattern ....	1723	P.N.
3.	Penny Pattern ....	1725	B.M.
4.	Penny Pattern ....	1732	H. Peck, Esq.
5.	Penny ......	1733	P.N.
6.	Halfpenny .....	1783	P.N.
7.	Penny Contemporary Forgery .	1733	P.N.
8.	Penny Contemporary Forgery .	1733	P.N.
9.	Halfpenny Contemporary Forgery .	1733	P.N.

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT.

Penny Pattern, for America . Penny Contemporary Forgery, Isle Penny Contemporary Forgery, Isle Halfpenny Contemporary Forgery,

• • •	1724 ? .	PAGE 32
of Man	1733 P.N.	39
of Man	1733 P.N.	40
Isle of Man	1733 P.N.	41

Errata. — Plate II. 2 and 8, the obverses should be transposed.

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD, 1722-1733.

Chapter I.

BRIEF LIFE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

It is unfortunately a matter of considerable difficulty to write anything approaching a full or connected account of the life and work of William Wood, owing to the in- sufficient data left to us. This may very naturally give rise to some little surprise when one considers the no small part that Wood played in public affairs during the later years of the reign of George I.

William Wood appears to have been born July 31, 1671, and during the period 1692-1713 he resided at the Deanery, Wolverhampton.

He must, prior to his venture in the numismatic field, have been a person of very considerable financial stand- ing, since we are informed that he was the owner of copper and iron mines in the west of England, and is understood to have leased mining rights, in some thirty- nine English and Welsh counties ; and when we re- member his ability to pay £10,000 for his patent, very different must we picture him, in comparison with the sorry figure presented to our imagination by Swift and other writers of the same school.

Early in 1722 the Duchess of Kendal, the King’s mistress, received from the Earl of Sunderland a patent for coining copper money for Ireland, which she appears

10

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

to have sold to William Wood for the sum of £10,000, the details of which coinage appear in the indenture which George I. commanded to be drawn up between himself and Wood.

This indenture, which was issued June 16, 1722, pre- sented the following points. The patent was for the period of fourteen years, for the sole privilege of coining halfpence and farthings for Ireland, the total weight of which was not to exceed three hundred and sixty tons, thirty pence being coined from one pound avoirdupois. During the first year one hundred tons were to be coined, and twenty tons during each of the succeeding thirteen years. Wood was to pay during each year the sum of £800, the reserved rent to the King, and £200 to the clerk comptroller. This patent was passed July 22, 1722, by the English Commons, without reference to the Irish Privy Council or the Lord Lieutenant.

The value of the total weight of copper, viz., 360 tons, at this period amounted to the sum of £43,680, and if coined at the rate of thirty pence to the pound, it w'ould have produced the sum of £108,000.

I subjoin the total cost of coining 360 tons of copper at this period in tabular form.

Value of 160 tons of copper at 13d. per lb. . £43,680

Converting into bars at 5 d. per lb. . . 16,800

Cost of coining at 4d. per lb. . . . 13,940

Kent to the Crown, etc. .... 14,000

l’urchaso of patent ..... 10,000

£98,420

At the Loyal mint at this time one pound of copper was coined into forty-six halfpence, and consequently 360 tons would produce about £77, 280, in other words about £30,720 less than the patent for the Irish coinage provided for.

TIIE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

11

From the above table it will be apparent that, had Wood carried out the provisions of the patent strictly, his profits would, in the course of fourteen years, have amounted to the miserable sum of £9,580, a profit scarcely commensurate with the labour involved.

As a result of this, it will occasion no surprise to learn, that in order to make the affair yield a reasonable return, the weight of the coins was cut down, as will be apparent from the table below, which gives the weights of speci- mens selected from parcels sent to Ireland, for issue there, a number being taken from each parcel weighed and divided into lots.

	Weight of Halfpenny.	Number	in 1 lb.	Current value, 1722, in
The different lots.	Integer.	Dec.	Pence.	Half- pence.	Dec.
	grs.
First sort	120	58	•33	29	0	•33
Second sort	111	63	•06	31	i	•06
Third sort	103	67	•96	33	i	•96
Fourth sort	96	72	•91	36	0	•91
The averago	107-5	65	•11	32	1	•11

Quantity

coined.

Cost

coined.

Current value.

Loss to Public.

If as patent provided If first sort coined If second sort coined If third sort coined If fourth sort coined

tons.

360

55

£

74,420

55

57

55

£ s.

108,000 0 97,994 8 105,940 16 114,172 16 122,488 16

£ s.

33,580 0 23,574 8 31,520 16 39,752 16 48,068 16

If average coined

360

74,420

110,149 4

35,729 4

12

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

In January, 1722-23, the striking of these Irish pieces began, the place of issue or mint being in Phoenix Street, Brown’s Gardens, Seven Dials ; whence they were conveyed by waggon to Bristol, where they were shipped to various ports in Ireland, Dublin being of course the principal centre for their distribution.

August, 1722. In the Treasury Papers appears a memorial of William Wood for a license to coin “ copper money for Ireland at the city of Bristol.” On August 3rd, a Treasury minute is to be found, ordering a consti- tution appointing Sir Isaac Newton comptroller of the coinage, when the Treasury will give Wood powers to coin a certain quantity of copper money at Bristol.

August 31st. Treasury warrant authorising Wood to establish his office for coining at or near Bristol (Ilist. MSS. Com., Appendix to 8th Report, p. 79).

The dies for this issue were in all probability engraved by the same artists who prepared those for the American coinage, at least this is certainly the case in respect to the obverse dies.

Pieces of the dates 1722 and 1723 were struck and issued in Ireland to the sum of £14,500, of which £1,080 was issued in farthings. The coins of the year 1722 do not appear to have had any large circulation and were in all probability only issued as patterns.

Wood’s coinage for Ireland never appears to have been popular, and this may in no small measure have been due to the secrecy attending its issue. Since the Irish nation had never been consulted in this matter, and their interests but little regarded, it is not surprising to find, September 13, 1723, both Irish Houses of Parliament petitioning tlie King in regard to this subject, in which petition they were joined by the Lords Justices, the

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

13

Council, ancl the Grand Juries of the city and county of Dublin.

Wood was at this period described “ as guilty of most notorious fraud in his coinage,” and foolishly allowed himself to be drawn into a very unwise reply, which appeared in The Flying Post, Oct. 8, 1723. Now there is no doubt that Wood, firm in his belief as to the omni- potence of Walpole, expressed his views as to the Irish in language more forcible than elegant, since among other remarks he is reported to have said “ that he would cram his brass down their throats in spite of them.”

Shortly after this appeared the first of a series of seven letters, the author of which was Jonathan Swift, D.D., Dean of St. Patrick’s, and since they were signed M. B. Drapier, became known as Drapier’s Letters and were supposed to have been written by a drapier or draper resident in Dublin. The first letter made its appearance April, 1724, and produced a tremendous sensation, being followed at short intervals by the others. Swift placing all regard for the truth on one side, and aiming solely at the aggrandisement of himself, and if fortunate at the overthrow of his old enemy, Walpole, found all the means for such an end ready to hand. Here was an opportunity not to be missed, and, emerging from his comparative obscurity, he availed himself of it with readiness, and in a few homely but at the same time telling words, poured out the imagined wrongs of his country.

By such means as this was the prospect of a successful future for this coinage done away with, and although Wood in 1724 consented to reduce the amount of his issue to one of £40,000, and limit the tender to fivepence halfpenny, yet in the following year, 1725, we find him

14

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

consenting to resign his patent in consideration of his receiving a pension of £3,000 per annum, for eight years, on the establishment of Ireland.

On April 10, 1724, a letter from the Treasury to Sir Isaac Newton occurs, directing him to send a competent person to Bristol, where Mr. Wood had his office, to assay the fineness of his halfpence.

Notwithstanding the outcry raised against these pieces, the report of Sir Isaac Newton, the then Blaster of the Royal Mint, amply proves them to have been in many respects very admirable coins, and vastly superior to any copper money previously coined for use in Ireland, their only fault being the discrepancies in weight between individual specimens.

The following advertisement will serve to show the contemporary feeling in regard to these Irish pieces.

Advertisement.

“Whereas I, Thomas Ilandy, of Meath Street, Dublin, did receive by the last packet from a person in London, to whom I am an entire stranger, bills of lading for eleven casks of Wood’s halfpence, shipped at Bristol, and consigned to me by the said person on bis own proper account, of which I had not the least notice until I received the said bills of lading:.

“ Now I, the said Thomas Handy, being highly sensible of the duty and regard which every honest man owes to his country and to his fellow-subjects, do hereby declare, that 1 will not bo concerned, directly or indirectly, in entering, landing, importing, receiving, or uttering any of the said Wood’s halfpence, for that I am fully conceived, as well from the addresses of both houses of parliament as otherwise, that the importing and uttering the said halfpence will be destructive to this nation, and prejudicial to his Majesty’s revenue.

“ And of this my resolution T gave notice by letter to the person who sent mo tho bills of lading, the very day I received them, and have sont back tho said bills to him.

“Tho. Handy.

“Dublin, 29 tli Aug., 1724.”

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

15

On July 12th, 1722, Wood also obtained a patent to issue coins for the North American Colonies, or, as they were then called, “ The Plantations,” for a term of four- teen years. The amount to be coined was not to exceed 300 tons, of which 200 tons were to be coined in the first four years and not more than ten tons per annum during the last ten. For this right of coinage Wood was to pay an annual rent to the Crown of £100 and to the clerk comptroller £200. The material for the coinage of these American pieces was a mixture called Bath metal, the

composition of which, in	twenty ounces of metal, was as
follows : —
Silver .	. . 1 dwt.
Tutanaigne .	. . 4 ozs. 19 dwts.
Brass .	. . 15 ozs.
Of this sixteen ounces	were to be coined into thirty

twopenny pieces, sixty pence, or one hundred and twenty halfpence. This series of coins for America, best known by the name of the “ Rosa Americanas,” was issued during the years 1722-1724; the dies being engraved by the following artists — Mr. Lammas, Mr. Harold, and Mr. Standbroke, who were probably also the engravers for the Irish issues. Together with William Wood there appear to have been associated in this venture one Kingsmills Eyres, Esq., and a Mr. Marsland of Cornhill, a hardwareman, which latter person it is related had a cellar full of these coins, and since the difficulty of passing them appears to have been as great as was the case with the Irish series, it may be no surprise to learn that Mr. Marsland was ruined thereby and subsequently died an inmate of Gresham College.

Some of the dies for the American coinage were taken

16

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

to New York by Mr. Winthorpe, when he emigrated thither.

The American coins were struck at the French Change, Hogg Lane, Seven Dials, and also at Bristol, and were made of Bath metal, the composition of which we have previously alluded to. The blanks were heated before being struck by the die, which was raised to a considerable height and then released, and this fact may in some measure account for the numerous examples which appear to be blistered as though by the action of fire. No doubt the unusual composition of the metal of which these coins were struck accounts for but few examples having reached us in fine condition, the softness of Bath metal being but little calculated to withstand the ravages of time and circulation. In regard to the difficulty of passing this issue, the following letter dated October 29th, 1725, to the Governor of New Hampshire, is of interest.

Whitehall 29th Octr 1725.

“ Sir

TIis Majesty having been pleased to grant to Mr. William Wood his Letters Patents for the Coyning of Halfpence, Pence and Two Pences of the Value of Money of Great Britain for tho Use of Ilis Majty’8 Dominions in America, which said Coyn is to receive such additional Value as shall be reasonable and agreeable to the customary allowance of Exchange in the several parts of thoso llis Majtys Dominions, as you will see more at largo by a Copy of the Patent, which will be laid before you by the person, that delivers this Letter to you ; 1 am to signify to you llis Majty 8 pleasure, that, in pursuance of a Clause in tho said Patent by which all llis Maj,y" Officers are to bo aiding and assisting to Mr. Wood in the duo Execution of what is therein directed and in tho legal Exercise of the several Powers and Enjoyment of the Privileges and Advantages thereby granted to him, you give him all due Encouragement and Assistance, and that you and all such other of llis Majly'8 Officers there, whom it may concern, do readily perform all legal Acts, that

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

17

may be requisite for tbat purpose ; This I am particularly to recommend to your Care; and to desire your Protection to Mr. Wood and to those he shall employ to transact this affair in the Provinces under your Government. 1 am

Sir

Your most humble Servant IIollks Newcastle.

“ Govr of the Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire.”

On January 14th, 1723, the following notice appears in The London Post. “ William Wood, of Wolver- hampton, Esq., having a patent for fourteen years, for coining farthings and halfpence for Ireland, and half- pence, pence, and twopences for all His Majesty’s dominions in America, hath erected a building in Phoenix Street, Brown’s Gardens, near the Seven Dials, for the American coinage, and another in the city of Bristol for the Irish coinage.”

On January 18th appears in the same journal the further information, which also occurs in the St. James's Journal on January 19th. “ Wood began his coinage

for Ireland on Monday last near the Seven Dials. In about a week’s time he will begin to coin at Bristol pieces for America, which will be made of a beautiful compound metal.”

Though the Irish patent was surrendered in 1725, this does not appear to have been the case with that for the American issue, and confirmation of this may be found in the issue of a pattern piece dated 1733, which, though subsequent to Wood’s decease, was in all probability the work of his successors to the privileges of the patent.

William Wood only enjoyed his Irish pension for five years, as he died in London, August 2nd, 1730. He was married to Mary Molyneaux, of Witton Hall, Stafford- shire.

18

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

Wood and liis successors were in all probability the minters of the various issues and patterns for the Isle of Man, 1723-1733 ; and though we have no documentary evidence to adduce in support of this theory, yet I think we are justified in holding this view, both on account of these pieces appearing at the same time as his other coinages and also on account of their very similar design and execution.1

Interesting among other details preserved to us is the fact that Wood was the first to manufacture iron with pit coal, which up to this period had been refined with wood ; and hence he appears to have been the pioneer in an industry whose far-reaching results have revolutionised the world’s trade. It is not improbable that the steel impressions from the obverse die of the llosa Americana twopence of 1733 were issued to show the excellence of the metal prepared by the use of coal.

The selection by Wood of Bristol as his place of mint- age was no doubt owing to the fact that at this period, 1723, that city was the centre of the English brass trade and was possessed of the largest copper smelting works in the kingdom. One may recognise as brass the “ beautiful compound metal ” mentioned by The London Post.

Chapter II.

COINAGE FOR IRELAND.

Without giving at this point the patent for the Irish coinage, which will be found in brief in the previous section, we will proceed at, once to the description and

See Coinages of the Isle of Man, 1890, p. 18.

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

19

discussion of the various patterns and coins issued by- Wood for use in Ireland. The first coin I shall describe is that known as the “ Rock halfpenny,” bearing the legends GEORGIYS D : G : REX— • HIBERNLZE • 1722 ; this title standing quite alone in the English and Irish series, either before or since this time.

No. 1. — Halfpenny, Dated 1722. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right, the neck of which is disproportionately long. GEORGIYS D : G : REX

Rev. — Figure of Hibernia seated front, looking to right at a mass of rock, and holding in front of her a harp. • HIBERNItE • ; in exergue J 7 22.

Wt. 120 grs. [PI. I., 1.]

It is very probable that the engraver of this coin was also that of the next one, as well as that of the pattern farthing and halfpenny of 1724, with the seated figure of Hibernia. I judge the next piece to appear was the pattern farthing of 1722, and after this the corresponding halfpenny, with Hibernia playing on the harp.

No. 2. — Farthing, Dated 1722. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • D : G : REX •

Rev. — Hibernia seated to left, holding a harp before her, on which she plays. • HIBERNIA • J722 •

Wt. 60 grs. [PI. I., 8.]

No. 3. — Halfpenny, Dated 1722. (Pattern.)

Obv. — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA . REX • Lau- reate head of George I to right.

20

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

Bev. — Hibernia seated to left holding a harp before her, on which she plays. • HIBERNIA • J722 •

Proofs occur in copper and silver.

Wt. 132 grs. [PI. I., 2.]

The next coin was no doubt the design which appeared to give the greatest satisfaction, since, with the omission of the dot which appears first on the reverse, we find it repeated in 1723 and 1724. I regard this coin only as a pattern, both on account of its rarity and also from the occurrence of a dot before, as well as after, HIBERNIA, which exists in the other patterns of 1722, but on no subsequent issue except the pattern halfpenny of 1723.

No. 4. — Halfpenny, Hated 1722. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX .

Bev. — Hibernia seated with harp at her side, upon which she rests her left hand, whilst in her right she holds a palm-branch. • HIBERNIA • J722 •

Proofs occur in silver.

Wt. 112 grs. [PI. I., 2.]

Following this would appear an identical coin, but bearing the date 1723.

No. 5. — Halfpenny, Hated 1723. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • HEI • GRATIA • REX •

Bev. — Seated figuro of Hibernia loaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand.

• HIBERNIA • J723 •

Proofs exist in copper and silver.

Wt. 123 grs. [PI. I., 2 obv., 3 rev.]

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

21

The next issue of the year 1723 was a farthing, having the same obverse as the pattern farthing of the year 1722, with the contracted legend.

No. 6. — Farthing, Dated 1723. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • D : G : REX .

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right haad. HIBERNIA • J723.

Wt. 60 grs. [PL I., 8 obv., 9 rev.]

This would no doubt be succeeded by the usual type of farthing with the obverse legend in full, and then at the same time would be issued the corresponding halfpenny.

No. 7. — Farthing, Dated 1723.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI . GRATIA . REX •

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand. HIBERNIA • J723 •

Proofs are found in silver and copper.

Wt. 64 grs.

No. 8. — Halfpenny, Dated 1723.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX .

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand. HIBERNIA • J723 •

Wt. 114 grs.

[PI. I., 2 obv., 4 rev.]

22

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

Subsequent to this, the pattern with the star on the reverse would appear, but vras apparently not accepted for currency, since w:e do not find this method of punc- tuation repeated.

No. 9. — Halfpenny, Dated 1723. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX •

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand. • HIBERNIA ☆ J723 •

Wt. 109 grs. R. I. Academy.

The ordinary issue for 1724, the last year of the coinage, is exactly the same as for the year 1723.

No. 10. — Farthing, Dated 1724.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA . REX •

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand. HIBERNIA • J 724.

Proofs are found in silver.

Wt. 55 grs. [PI. I., 9.]

No. 11. — Halfpenny, Dated 1724.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX .

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia leaning on a harp, holding a palm-branch in her right hand. HIBERNIA • J724 •

A proof of this occurs in silver.

Wt. 118 grs. [PI. I., 2 obv., 4 rev. ]

Varieties of Nos. 10 and 11 occur, omitting the dot alter the date.

Of the year 1721 we also find several patterns as follows : —

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

23

No. 12. — Farthing, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • D : GRA • REX •

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia to left, leaning on a harp, holding in her right hand a palm-branch; the date in exergue. HIBERNIA • J724

Hoblyn Coll. A proof of this exists in silver.

Wt. 79 grs. [PI. I., 10 obv., 11 rev. ]

No. 13. — Halfpenny, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Fine laureate head of George I to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the prominent truncation of neck. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX •

Rev. — Seated figure of Hibernia to left leaning on a harp, holding in her right hand a palm-branch ; date in exergue HIBERNIA • J724

Proofs occur in copper and bell metal.

Wt. 130 grs. [PL I., 6 obv., 5 rev.]

Then would follow the next two pieces : —

No. 14. — Farthing, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the prominent truncation of the neck. GEORGIUS • D : GRA . REX

Rev. — Trident and sceptre crossed and united by a triple knot, around which is REGIT ® UN US • UTROQUE J724.

Proofs exist in copper.

Wt. 79 grs. B. M. [PI. I., 10.]

No. 15. — Halfpenny, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Fine laureate head of George I to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the prominent truncation of the neck. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX •

24

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

Bev. — A trident and sceptre joined by a knot, around which is REGIT * YNYS • YTKOQVE « J724 «

Proofs exist in copper.

Wt. 135 grs. [PI. I., 6.]

It seems probable that the design of the last two coins described was copied from the following medalet of Charles I, struck in silver, the engraver of which was Nicolas Briot.

No. 16.

Obv. — Shield of Britain, crowned, within the collar and badge of the Order of the Thistle all within the Garter. CAROL VS • D : G • ANG • SCO • FltAN • ET • HIB • REX • FIDEI • DEE.

Bcv. — Trident and sceptre crossed and united by a triple knot around which is REGIT « YNYS * YTEOQVE * ; in exergue, J628.

Wt. 80 grs. [PI. I., 12.]

We find a mule composed of the reverses of the two pattern farthings of 1724.

No. 17. — Farthing, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Hibernia seated to left, loaning on a harp, holding in her right hand a palm-branch. HIBERNIA • ; in exergue, J724.

Bev. — Trident and sceptre crossed and united by a triple knot, around which is REGIT # UNUS # UTROQUE J724.

Montagu Coll.

Wt. 76 grs. [PL I., 10 rev., 11 ret;.]

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

25

No. 18. — Farthing, No Date. (Pattern in Bath Metal.)

Obv. — Fine laureate head of George I to right, as on No. 14. GEORGIUS DEI • GRA.

Rev. — Emblematic female figure seated to left, holding in her outstretched right hand a large orb ; her left arm supports a spear and rests upon a shield which bears the rose and thistle.

Nelson, Hoblyn and Caldecott Colls.

Wt. 76 grs. [PI. I., 7.]

Snelling, in his Supplement to Simon’s Coinage of Ireland, p. 6, describes a halfpenny in which Hibernia points to a sun in the upper part of the field. This piece may possibly be a worn example of the previous coin, which is perchance a pattern for England.

Chapter III.

COINAGE FOR THE AMERICAN COLONIES.

“ Omne tulit fundum qui miscuit utile dulci .”

— Hor., Ars P., 313.

The patent for this coinage and also the letter to the Governor of New Hampshire, in reference to this series, have already been given. The obverse dies were in all probability engraved by the same artists as those for the Irish series, if indeed the dies of both are not identical. I shall now, as in the case of the Irish coinage, endeavour to describe the various pieces, as far as I am able, in the approximate order of their appearance.

These coins are of three denominations, viz., twopenny pieces, pence, and halfpence, although in size they would correspond at this period, in England, to coins of but half these values.

As in the previous section we traced a connection between the design of one of the Irish coins to a piece

2G

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

of Charles I, so now I think we may in like manner observe the prototype of the Eosa Americana issue.

It appears to me that'we have, in the following pattern piece of silver of the reign of Elizabeth, the original from whence is derived the design for the American coinage.

No. 1. — Penny, Without Date. (Pattern.)

Obv. — A crowned rose within a circle, around which

ROSA • SINE • SPINA .-.

Bev. — A shield bearing the cross of St. George m.m. cross ; around, PRO o LEGE o REGE ° ET o GREGE.

Wt. 26 grs. [PI. I., 13.]

In the first issue for America we find the rose alone, in the second the rose and crown, whilst in the coin de- scribed under No. 19 we have the rose only and the legend ROSA : SINE : SPINA in full. In all pro- bability the first piece struck was a twopenny piece without date and without a label, and on account of its great rarity it may be a pattern.

No. 2. — Twopence, Without Date. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIVS * D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET : II IB : REX.

liev. — Large seeded rose, above which is • ROSA • AMERICANA • and beneath • UTILE • DULCI •

Wt. 121 grs. [PI. II., 1.]

This coin was followed by a piece almost identical, but of rather better execution, in which the words UTILE DULCI are on a label.

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

27

No. 3.— Twopence, Without Date.

Obv. — Laureate bust of George I to right. GEORGIYS • D : G : MAG : BRI : ERA : ET • HIB : REN.

Bev. — Seeded rose, above which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA, and beneath UTILE • DULCI on a label.

Wt. 243 grs. [PI. II., 2 obv., 3 rev.']

Then would be issued a penny bearing the date 1722 which in the use of Y in place of U, both on the obverse and reverse, appears to me to have been struck before the other pence of the same date.

No. 4. — Penny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIYS • DEI • GRATIA • REX •

Bev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA * YTILE • DYLCI • J722 *

Wt. 115 grs.

[PI. II., 5 rev.]

Following the last piece, and exactly similar as regards the reverse, we find :

No. 5. — Penny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX •

Bev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA • VTILE • DVLCI • J722 *

Wt. 116 grs. [PI. I., 2 obv.]

[PI. II., 5 rev.]

Together with a halfpenny, though the reverse reading is somewhat contracted.

28

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

No. 6. — Halfpenny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS * DEI • GRATIA - REX •

Rev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI : YTILE • DVLCI • J722.

Wt. 61 grs. [PI. II., 9 obv., 7 rev.]

A very similar coin, a halfpenny, exists, with the legends of both obverse and reverse contracted.

No. 7. — Halfpenny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS D : G : REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI : UTILE • DULCI • J722.

Wt. 62 grs. [Pl. II., 6.]

The succeeding five coins would probably appear in the order in wRich they are placed here.

No. 8. — Twopence, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS * D : G : MAG : BRI : ERA : ET : 11IB : REX •

Rev. — Seeded rose, above which is • ROSA • AMERI- CANA • J722 • ; and beneath UTILE • DULCI • on a label.

Wt. 213 grs. [PI. II., 3 obv., 2 rev.]

No. 9. — Penny, Dated 1722.

ft

Obv. — Laureate head of George T to right. GEORGIUS * DEI • GRATIA • REX •

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

29

liev. — Seeded rose, around which is EOSA • AMERI- CANA * UTILE • DULCI • J722 *

Wt. 122 grs. [PI. I., 2 obv.]

[PI. II., 4 rev.]

No. 10. — Penny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA - REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose, aroimd which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA • UTILE • DULCI • J722 #

Wt. 127 grs. [PI. I., 2 o&r.]

[PI. II., 4 rev.]

No. 11. — Halfpenny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS ' DEI • GRATIA • REX.

Rev.— Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA • UTILE • DULCI • J722 *

Wt. 70 grs. [PI. II., 9 obv., 8 rev.]

No. 12. — Penny, Dated 1722.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS * DEI • GRATIA • REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA • UTILE • DULCI • J722 •

Wt. 125 grs. [PI. I., 2 obv.]

[PL II., 4 rev.]

In the following year, 1723, it was evidently the intention to repeat the design of 1722, merely changing the date. Of this evidence is shown in the pattern halfpenny next described.

30

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

No. 13. — Halfpenny, Dated 1723. (Pattern.)

Obv.— Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS * DEI • GRATIA -REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose, around which is ROSA • AMERI- CANA * UTILE • DULCI • J723 *

Wt. 62 grs. [PI. II., 9 obv., 8 ret;.]

This issue was evidently abandoned in favour of the more handsome coins bearing the rose surmounted by a crown. The issue consists of pieces of three denomina- tions, viz., twopence, penny, and halfpenny.

No. 14. — Twopence, Dated 1723.

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET • H1B • REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose beneath a crown, above which is ROSA • AMERICANA • J 723 ; below on a label, UTILE . DULCI.

Wt. 240 grs.

No. 15. — Penny, Dated 1723.

Obv. — Head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose beneath a crown, above which is ROSA • AMERICANA • J 723 ; below on a label, UTILE ■ DULCI.

Wt. 128 grs.

No. 16. — Halfpenny, Dated 1723.

Obv. — Laureate head of Georgo I to right. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX.

Rev. — Seeded rose beneath a crown, above which is ROSA • AMERICANA • J723; below, on a label, UTILE • DULCI.

Wt. 66 grs.

[PI. II., 9.]

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

31

No. 17. — Twopence, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Fine laureate bust of George I to right, with hair curling beneath the truncation. GEORGIUS * D : G • MA • B • FRA • ET • IIIB • REX •

Bev. — Seeded rose beneath a crown, above which is ROSA • AMERICANA • J724; below, on a label, UTILE • DULCI •

Wt. 200 grs. [PI. II., 10.]

Of this magnificent specimen of medallic art only three examples are known, the one from which this description is taken being in the collection of Mr. J. JB. Caldecott, and a proof exists in silver of this piece, probably unique, whilst an example in brass occurs reading M • B • FRA on the obv.

Of the year 1724 a penny exists very' similar to that of 1723.

No. 18. — Penny, Dated 1724. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George I to right. GEORGIUS • D • GRATIA • REX.

Bev. — Seeded rose beneath a crown ; above, ROSA • AMERICANA : J724; beneath, on a label, UTILE • DULCI •

Wt. 120 grs.

Probably after this was struck a coin which, notwith- standing the fact that it is undated, must be of the same year, since the obverse is the same as that of the Irish pattern halfpenny of the same date.

No. 19. — Penny, Undated (1724? Pattern.)

Obv. — Fine laureate bust of George I to right, with flowing hair curling beneath the prominent truncation of the neck. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX

32

THE COINAGE OF WILLIAM WOOD.

R ev‘ A leafy sprig, bearing three roses and two rose buds, springing from the ground. ROSA : SINE : SPINA-

Wt. 120 grs.

Of this coin only three specimens are known.

William Wood died in 1730, as previously mentioned, and hence the coin described below was in all probability issued by his successors to the patent for the coinage of money for the American colonies. There remain to us only three examples of this coin.

No. 20. — Twopence, Dated 1733. (Pattern.)

Obv. — Laureate head of George II to left. GEORGIYS • II . D • G • REX.

Rev. — A branch bearing a full-blown rose, a bud, and seven leaves, all beneath a crown ; above which is ROSA • AMERICANA • 1733; and be- neath, on a label, UTILE • DULCI.

Wt. 290 grs. B. M. [PI. II., 11.]

There exist some six examples of the obverse of this coin struck in steel, one being in the author’s cabinet ; and on the reverse of another is engraved Hawkins, Janry. 1737. One complete example, struck in Hath metal, was lost on its way to America, owing to the wreck of the ship Arctic.

33

Chapter IV.

COINAGE OF THE DERBY FAMILY,

FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

In 1723 were issued pattern coins for use in the Isle of Man, bearing the crest of the Derby family. This crest is the well-known Eagle and Child, with the motto SANS CHANCER.

It will perhaps be interesting to relate here the legend as to the origin of the Eagle and Child as the Derby badge. Early in the fourteenth century Sir Thomas De Lathom was walking in a wild part of his park with his wife, who was childless. In this place, it was said, an eagle had its nest. On coming near this spot they heard the cries of a child, which was found by the servants dressed in rich swaddling clothes lying in the nest. Sir Thomas, having no family, adopted the heaven-sent child, and had it baptized in their own name. The child became the heir, and on dying left an only daughter, Isabel, who married Sir John Stanley, who, in memory of the event, took the Eagle and Child as his crest, which has continued the crest of the Derby family to this day.

The pattern coinage of 1723 consists of pence and halfpence, and these exist in copper and Bath metal, whilst proofs occur in silver.

No. 1. — Pattern Penny, Copper.

Obv. — SANS • CHANGER • J723. Eagle and Child on cap of maintenance.

34

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

Rev. — QV OCVNQVE • GESSERIS • STAB IT The Triskelis armoured and sparred, feet to right. Diameter 28 m.m. [PI. III., 1.]

The rim on both obverse and reverse is beaded.

No. 2. — Pattern Halfpenny.

Obv. — As on Penny.

Rev. — As on Penny, omitting Diameter 25 m.m.

[PI. III., 2.]

The edges of the silver specimens of both values are engrailed diagonally, whilst those of the others are plain.

The weight of these coins varies considerably, as will be seen from the table subjoined.

Penny.	Halfpenny.
M	M	M	2R
164 grs.	126 ’5 grs.	122 grs.	60*1 grs,
144 „	124 „	92 „	58 „
134 „	121 „	73 „	55 „

All the above weights were taken from pieces in very fine preservation, with the exception of a copper piece which was much worn, and yet weighed 164 grs. This piece no doubt makes a pair with the first-mentioned copper halfpenny, and was probably issued as a proof.

I have in my collection a specimen of the penny struck in Bath metal, in which the V’s on the reverse are barred thus : V, and consequently resemble inverted A’s ; the legend hence reads : QVOCVNQYE, &c. This piece, from its perfect roundness, appears to have been struck in a collar. Vide Montague, Copper Coins of England , p. 75.

The copper specimens of the penny are often irregular in outline, and frequently somewhat cracked round the

THE DERBY COINAGE.

35

edge. Some of the pennies appear to have been mis- struck, and so cause a double reading of the legend.

These coins are of great beauty, and are difficult to obtain in very fine preservation, which may be accounted for by their low relief, which very soon shows signs of wear. This fact very probably caused their rejection by the insular authorities. The Triskelis are represented on every issue of the Derby family, except those of 1709 and 1732, has pellets on the armour, and thus there is a close resemblance to the Cheyne brass at Drayton Beauchamp Church.

The next piece struck by Wood is a pattern penny in copper, dated 1721.

No. 3.— Penny.

Obv.— • SANS • CHANGER • 1724. Eagle and Child as usual on cap of maintenance. The neck of the eagle is short and thick, and the tail is straight across the base, and not spread fanwise, the wings are also somewhat short.

Bev.— QVOCYNQVE • GESSERIS • STABIT • The Triune armoured and spurred, progressing to the right, much flexed, and of coarser work than the coinage of 1 7 23. Edge plain. Diameter 28 m.m.

This piece, which is said to be unique, was once in the collection of Dr. Clay, whence it passed to that of Mr. Shorthouse. Its great rarity is supposed to be due to the presence of a flaw-mark on the obverse, running from the left lower quadrant upwards in front of the cap. The die was probably fractured in the striking of this single example. Compare with this the Irish penny of 1789, a pattern struck by Mossop, the die for which broke on the sixth example. My own specimen of this Irish coin shows the flaw in an early stage of develop-

36

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

ment. It is, however, very probable that this coin of 1724 is a fabrication.

Of the date, 1725, there occurs the following coin which was for a long time assigned to the year 1705, as previously mentioned, and in place of its being — as it really is — a pattern, in silver, for a penny, it w'as con- sidered to be either a medal or a half-crown.

No. 4. — 1725. Pattern Penny in Silver.

Obv. — SANS • CHANGER • J725. Eagle and Child on cap of maintenance; the tail of the eagle is fan wise.

Bev. — QuOCuNQuE • GESSERIS • STABIT X Triune armoured and spurred, feet to right, edge engrailed diagonally. Weight 219 grs., diameter 33 m.m. [PI. III., 3.]

The error as regards the date was due, no doubt, to the fact that the blank was of insufficient size to contain the whole of the legend, and consequently the figure 2 was reduced to the appearance of a cypher. However, careful observation would have shown that the figure, which was considered to be an 0, was incomplete on the left side, and was in reality the upper portion of a 2.

We now come to the most beautiful coins which ever appeared in the island, unfortunately issued not for currency, but merely as patterns. These are the pence of 1732, of which there are three distinct varieties as follows : —

No. 5. — Pattern Penny, 1732. Large Size. Bath Metal.

Obv. — SANS • CHANGER, aud beneath, the dato 17-32.

Eagle and Child on cap of maintenance, dividing the date. At the head of the cradlo is an olive branch bearing eight, leaves. The neck of the eagle is greatly arched, the tail is short, as are also the wings, which are rounded, in place of being sharp-pointed as on the previous issue.

THE DERBY COINAGE.

37

Rev. — QUOCUNQUE IECERIS STABIT. Triune ar- moured and spurred, progressing to the left, the feet of which divide the legend, and

between the limbs ^ j ^ = Jacobus Darbiensis

One (Penny). Edge plain. Weight 162 gre., diameter 29 m.m.

No. 6. — Pattern Penny, 1732. Small Size.

Obv. — As on No. 5.

Rev. — As on No. 5. Edge plain. Weight 144' 2 grs., diameter 26 m.m. [PI. III., 4.]

No. 7. — Pattern Penny, 1732. Small Size.

Obv. — As on No. 5, save that the branch bears only six leaves in place of eight, as on the two former pieces, but no dot between the words of the motto, and the date is divided, J7 being at the head of the child and 32 at the feet.

Rev. — As on No. 5. Edge plain. Weight 155 grs., diameter 26 m.m.

In the next year, 1733, appeared the last coinage of the Derby family, and consists of pence and halfpence.

No. 8. — 1733. Penny. Bath Metal.

Obv. — SANS * CHANGER • J733. Eagle and Child on cap of maintenance, above which is the motto, and beneath the date. The rim is toothed.

Her.— QUOCUNQUE • IECERIS • STABIT • The Triune armoured and spurred, joined in a tri- angle, feet to right. Between the limbs are the

letters ^ j The rim is as on the obv. Edge

plain. Weight 146 grs., diameter 29 m.m.

[PI. III., 5.J

I have in my collection a specimen on a flan of extra thickness, the weight of which is 206 grs., that is, sixty

38

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

grains heavier than the current coin. This appears to me to be a piedfort.

No. 9. — Halfpenny. Bath Metal.

Obv. — As on the Penny.

Bev. — As on the Penny, except the value is expressed ~

Jj

in place of J, as on the penny. Edge plain.

Weight 104 grs., diameter 24 m.m.

[PI. Ill, 6.]

Of the penny and halfpenny, there are some examples in which the interior of the cap is frosted, whilst in others it is plain.

It is reported that the metal from which these coins were struck was obtained by the melting down of some disused cannon in Castle Rushen, Castletown, thus re- sembling the issue of gun-money by James II. in Ireland.

Silver proofs exist of both the penny and halfpenny, the respective weights being 142 grains and 98 grains.

There wrere two separate issues of these pieces ; the first amounting to £300 of pence, and £200 of half-pence ; the second of £250 of pence and £150 of half-pence, thus making in all 132,000 pence and 168,000 halfpence.

At this time all other issues were declared illegal by the Tynwald Act.

Notwithstanding the fine execution and design of these coins, forgeries became common. Of the penny there exist ten varieties, and of the halfpenny only three, which are described below.

The pence group themselves into two main classes, according to whether the J, indicative of value, is upright or prostrate. Of the former there remain to us six distinct varieties.

THE DERBY COINAGE.

39

No. 10.

Exactly similar in design to the genuine coin, but cast, not struck. Weight 142 grs., diameter 29 m.m.

No. 11.

Obv. — Neck of eagle much arched, whilst the date touches the cap of maintenance.

Rev. — Limbs more rounded. Weight 130 grs., diameter 28 m.m.

This is a well executed piece struck in brass, one example having the edge milled, weight 166 grains.

No. 12.

Obv. — Eagle has very large head. Tail opposite E.

Rev. — Legs of Triune very thin. Weight 119 grs., diameter 29 m.m.

Very similar to current coin, but the 3’s in the date have their tops curving up 5. Weight 123 grs., diameter 28 m.m.

No. 14.

Obv. — The letters in CHANGEE very irregular, dated J733.

Rev. — Eeads OTTOCUNOUE. Weight 111 grs., diameter 26 m.m.

No. 15. — Penny, Copper.

Obv. — SANS * CHANGEE 1733 • Eagle with short thick neck, not so highly arched as in the previous piece. The remainder as usual.

Rev. — OUOCUNOUE • IECEEIS • STABIT ; an 0 taking the place of Q. Triune, feet to right,

no spurs ; between the limbs, ^ j The whole

40

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

in very low relief. Edge plain. Weight 126 grs., diameter 26 m.m. [PI. III., 8.]

The next coin, No. 16, has the J inclined midway between the vertical and horizontal, and forms a connecting link between the two types.

No. 16.

Execution very coarse, letters irregular and appears to have been cast. QUOCUNQUE.

Bev. — Reads j p

J

Weight 112 grs., diameter 28 m.m.

No. 17. — 1733. Penny, Copper.

Obv. — SANS * CHANGER 1733. Eagle, with thin long neck, greatly arched, wing coming to an obtuse angle with the body, standing on a cradle, as usual, with the date beneath.

Bev. — The Triskelis spurred, feet to right, between the legs the initials I D ; the spurs are formed as

a simple cross on the ankles. Legend as usual, QUOCUNQUE • TECERJS * ST ABIT. Edge plain. Weight 106 grs., diameter 27 m.m.

[PI. III., 7.]

No. 18.

Obv. — Similar to No. 13.

Bev. — Similar to No. 17, but has stouter limbs, wearing spurs of five points. Weight 131 grs., diameter

28 m.m.

No. 19.

Obv. — Eagle standing on very small cradle and cap.

Bev. — Tho triune with stout limbs, placed rather to the left of the field. Weight 132 grs., diameter

29 • 5 m.m.

THE DERBY COINAGE.

41

The three halfpence are as follows : —

No. 20.

Obv. — A large eagle on small cap of maintenance, the legend and date smaller than usual. E opposite tip of wing.

Bev.— A small and stont triune, the limbs do not approach the legend. Weight 106 grs., diameter 24 m.m.

This coin is on a thick brass flan.

No. 21.

Obv. — Eagle has a very long thin neck, K just above the eagle’s tail.

Bev. — Triune with exceedingly thin limbs. Weight 72 grs., diameter 24 m.m.

Obv. — As on the genuine piece.

Bev. — As usual, except the letters between the legs are

ID ID

placed eccentrically, and read in place of J .

2

Edge plain. Weight 58 grs., diameter 24 m.m.

[PI. III., 9.]

I

None of the above pieces are in very fine state and seem to have been issued from the die in this condition, so that they might appear to have been subjected to the exigencies of circulation and would thus be the better received. Thev must therefore have been issued subse- quent to 1733 between that date and 1758, when the Duke of Athol produced his coinage.

42

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

With the Manx pieces of 1733 we reach the last issue of coins struck by Wood or his representatives.

I think there can be but little doubt that all the coins emanating from the mint of William Wood show- alike considerable beauty in design and execution, and in both respects were much superior to any preceding coinage either of Ireland or the sister kingdom.

o o

FINIS.

INDEX.

ADDENDUM.

It may be mentioned that on June 21st, 1728, Mr. William Wood communicated to the Board of Trade a proposal to remedy the evils arising from “the issuing of paper money and the rating of the coin.”

His proposal was to strike a colonial coinage (to be stamped AMERICA), repeating the several British coins, both of gold and of silver, but “ one-fourth part less in value,” i.e., following the lines of the proclamation and Act of Queen Anne.

These coins were to pass by tale, and to be kept in the Colonies by various futile devices which Mr. Wood suggested. Nothing came of his interested proposal. (“ Colonial Currency,” Chalmers, page 17.)

E.

Eagle and Child, Legend of, 33 Earl of Sunderland, 9 Elizabeth, Queen, 26 English Commons, 10 Eyres, Kingsmills, Esq., 15

Juries, urana, 10 Justices, Lords, 12

K.

Kendal, Duchess of, 9 Kingsmills, Eyres, Esq., 15

42

COINAGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN.

With the Manx pieces of 1733 we reach the last issue of coins struck by Wood or his representatives.

I think there can be but little doubt that all the coins emanating from the mint of William Wood show alike considerable beauty in design and execution, and

i w\«« aU /<■««*% «%*• 4- a *>««<• <X> »3 ■ a«

INDEX

A.

Act, Tynwald, 38 Advertisement, 14 Arctic, 32 Athol, Duke of, 42

B.

Bath metal, 15, 16, 25, 32, 34 Briot, Nicholas, 24 Bristol, 12, 16, 17, 18 Brown’s Gardens, 12, 17

C.

Caldecott, J., Esq., 3, 25, 31 Castle Rushen, 38 Castletown, 38 Charles I., 24, 26 Cheyne brass, 35 Clay, Dr., 3, 35

Coinage for America, 15-17, 25-32 Coinage for Ireland, 9, 10, 18 Coinage for Isle of Man, 3, 33—42 College, Gresham, 15 Commons, English, 10 Cornhill, 15 Council, 13

Crosbie’s Early American Coinage, 3

D.

Dean of St. Patrick’s, 13 Deanery, 9 Derby family, 33 Dictionary of Nat. Biog., 3 Drapier’s Letters, 13 Dublin, 13, 14 Duke of Athol, 42

E.

Eagle and Child, Legend of, 33 Ear) of Sunderland, 9 Elizabeth, Queen, 26 English Commons, 10 Eyres, Kingsmills, Esq., 15

F.

Flying Post, The, 13 French change, 16

G.

George I., 9 George II., 32

Governor of New Hampshire, 16, Grand Juries, 13 Gresham College, 15 Gun money, 38

H.

Handy, Thomas, 14 Harold, Mr., 15 Hawkins, 32 HIBERNIjE, 19 HIBERNIA, 19-24 Hoblyn, R. A., Esq., 3, 23, 25 Hogg Lane, 16 Holies, Newcastle, 17

I.

Indenture, 10

Ireland, Coinage for, 9, 10, 18-25

Irish Pension, 14, 17

Irish Privy Council, 10

Isaac Newton. Sir, 12, 14

Isle of Man, Coinage for, 33-42

J.

James II., 38 James’s, St., Journal, 17 Jonathan Swift, D.D., 9, 13 Journal, St. James’s, 17 Juries, Grand, 13 Justices, Lords, 12

K.

Kendal, Duchess of, 9 Kingsmills, Eyres, Esq., 15

44

INDEX,

L.

Lammas, Mr., 15 Lathom, Sir Thomas de, 33 Legend of the Eagle and Child, 33 Letters, Drapier’s, 13 London Post, The, 17, 18 Lord Lieutenant, 10 Lords Justices, 12

M.

Man, Isle of, 33

Marsland, Mr., 15

Mary Molyneux, 17

Meath Street, 14

Metal, Bath, 15, 16, 25, 32, 34

Mining rights, 9

Molyneux, Mary, 17

Montagu Collection, 33

N.

Nelson Collection, 25, 32, 34

Newcastle, Holies, 17

Newton, Sir Isaac, 12, 14

New Hampshire, Governor of, 16

New York, 16

Nicholas Briot, 24

North American Colonies, 15, 25

P.

Pension, Irish, 14, 17

Phoenix Street, 12, 17

Plantations, Coins for the, 15, 25-32

Post, The Flying, 13

Post, The London, 17, 18

Privy Council, The Irish, 10

PRO'- LEGE, etc., 26

R.

REG1T • UN US • UTROQUE, 28, 24 ROSA AMERICANA, 15, 26-32

ROSA SINE SPINA, 26, 32 Royal Mint, 10

S.

SANS CHANGER, 33-41 Seven Dials, 12, 16 Shorthouse, Mr., 35 Sir Isaac Newton, 12, 14 Sir John Stanley, 33 Sir Thomas de Lathom, 33 St. James’s Journal, 17 Staffordshire, 17 Standbroke, Mr., 15 Sunderland, Earl of, 9 Swift, Jonathan, D.D., 9, 13

The Flying Post, 13 The London Post, 17, 18 Thomas Handy, 14 Treasury Warrant, 12 Triskelis, 35 Tutanaigne, 15 Tynwald Act, 38

U.

UTILE DULCI, 26-32

V.

VTILE DVLCI, 27

W.

Walpole, 13 Warrant, Treasury, 12 Whitehall, 16 William Wood, life of, 9 Winthorpe, Mr., 16 Witton Hall, 17 Wolverhampton, 9, 17 Wood, William, life of, 9

WOOD'S IRISH COINAGE

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AUTOTYPE

WOOD'S ROSA AMERICANA COINAGE.

PI. 111.

WOOD'S MANX COINAGE