Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- Item 105068
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Description
This Scottish half sovereign coin was part of a trove of gold and silver hidden by Walter Bagnall on Richmond Island before his death in 1631. The obverse depicted a sword and scepter in saltire cross, a crown, and the national emblem of the thistle. Stamped on the rim is the Latin motto "SALUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX," or "The safety of the people is the supreme law." The reverse side depicted a lion on a shield and a rose over the crown.
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: King James VI Scottish half sovereign coin, Richmond Island, 1602
- Creation Date: 1602
- Subject Date: 1602
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Gold
- Dimensions: 2.8 cm x 2.8 cm
- Local Code: 819*27
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Coins, British
- Coins, English
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- James VI, 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
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.
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