Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- Item 105046
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Description
This coin, created during the reign of King James I, was part of a cache of gold and silver hidden by Walter Bagnall before his death in 1831. Bagnall was the first European settler on Richmond Island, near Cape Elizabeth, in 1628. He became wealthy by cheating the Wabanaki, specifically the female leader Warrabitta’s family, at his trading post. According to Massachusetts Governor Winthrop, "Bagnall...was a wicked fellow, and had much wronged the Indians."
The obverse of the sixpence coin shows King James' head, with the text "JACOBUS D.G. ANG. SCO.FRA.HIB.REX." along the rim. The reverse features a shield and the text "EXURGAT DEUS DISSIPENTUR INIMICI," or "let God arise and his enemies be scattered."
About This Item
- Title: King James I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1606
- Creation Date: 1606
- Subject Date: 1606
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Silver
- Dimensions: 2.4 cm x 2.4 cm
- Local Code: 819*3
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Coins, British
- Coins, English
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- James I, King of England, 1600-1649
- Maine--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Money
- Richmond Island (Me.)
- United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Wabanaki Indians
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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