The St. Patrick Copper Coinage of New Jersey

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These coins were most likely struck sometime between the mid-1640s and early 1660s, though – like their dates of production – where they were minted is shrouded in academic uncertainty; some sources say they were struck at the Tower of London, while other sources point to origins in Ireland. They were brought America by an English Quaker named Mark Newby, who was a merchant in Dublin.

As was typical of the time, copper issues from abroad comingled with a diversity of other coins as money in the colonies, and the General Assembly of New Jersey granted the St. Patrick Coppers in May 1682 legal-tender status to the value of a halfpenny. The quagmire numismatists face today is in deciphering which of the two coins was meant to be the legal-tender piece.

Check out the full article for more info: https://www.pcgs.com/news/st-patrick-copper-coinage-of-new-jersey

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ricko

Would love to find one of those in such great condition when metal detecting some of the old cellar holes in this area. Yes, this area was settled - though sparsely - at that time - with commerce. So it is possible... though not sure my old heart could take the thrill.... Yes it could... My cardiologist, whom I see once a year, says I am boring... And that is GREAT news from him... Cheers, RickO

yosclimber

The brass "splasher" (insert) is kind of cool.