Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- Item 105065
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Description
This Laurel coin, an English gold coin with a value of twenty shillings, was part of a trove of coins hidden by Walter Bagnall on Richmond Island. The coin was named for the depiction of King James' head decorated with a laurel crown. The text stamped on the coin read "JACOBUS.D.B.MAG. BRIT.ET.HIB.REX.," or "James by the grace of God King of England..."
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."
About This Item
- Title: King James I English Laurel coin, Richmond Island, 1623
- Creation Date: 1623
- Subject Date: 1623
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Gold
- Local Code: 819*24
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Coins, British
- Coins, English
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- James I, King 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
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