Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- Item 105053
- print page
- download web image
Purchase a reproduction of this item on VintageMaineImages.com.
Description
This coin was hidden by Walter Bagnall on Richmond Island, likely just before his murder in 1831. Dating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the coin was stamped with the Latin text "ELIZABETH.D.G.AND.FR.ET.HI.REGINA," or "Elizabeth by the grace of God, Queen of England," and "POSUI DEVI ADIVTOREM," or "I have made God my helper." The number of coins and their international span demonstrates the far reaches of the fur trade in Maine.
Walter 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." Bagnall had violated his social responsibilities, and as a result, Warrabitta’s brother, Skitterygusset, killed Bagnall and burned down the trading post. This act was a redistribution of power and asserted Wabanaki jurisdiction of the area.
About This Item
- Title: Queen Elizabeth I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1563
- Creation Date: 1563
- Subject Date: 1563
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Silver
- Local Code: 819*11
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Coins, British
- Coins, English
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- Elizabeth I, Queen of England
- 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
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.