A colonial type set for the masses?

RYK · February 10, 2008 1:05AM

I have recently ordered my second colonial coin. One coin of a category is just a whim; two coins make a collection (at least the start of one). If I were going to pursue a more extensive colonial coin type set, I would need a framework. One that was previously suggested to me is the PCGS Registry Set, "Early American Coins and Tokens Basic Design Set (1616-1820)". Viewing the set composition, there are quite few coins that are intimidating and discouraging for the collector of average means. This can extinguish interest before one gets off the ground, and I have seen and experienced this in other areas in the past.

Last night, CCU outlined the twelve different sub-types of what we call "colonial" coins, as delineated in the Redbook:

Spanish colonial Issues
British New World Issues
Coinage Authorized by British Royal Patent
Early American and Related Tokens
French New World Issues
Speculative Issues, Tokens, and Patterns
Coinage of the States
Private Tokens After Confederation
Washington Pieces
Continental Currency
Nova Constellation Patterns
Fugio Cents

What I am going to propose here is a 20-30 coin starter type set for anyone who is interested in a taste of colonials, emphasizing a variety of distinct types and authorities, and focusing on coins that are reachable by a greater number of collectors than the 43-coin set linked above. If one wishes to keep the colonial collection in a "Box of 20", he/she can limit the coins in one or more of the categories.

Feel free to comment, make suggested additions/subtractions, etc. I am a neophyte in colonial coinage, so I might have made some assumptions and statements that need be corrected. I also may have over emphasized the importance of some issues and under emphasized others. Here goes:

I. The British Colonies in America

1. Pine tree shilling (probably the most expensive coin in the set)

II. Coinage Authorized by British Royal Patent

2. Rosa Americana coin
3. American Plantation Token
4. Woods Hibernia
5. Virginia Halfpenny

III. Early American and Related Tokens

6. London Elephant token
7. Voce Populi
8. Rhode Island Ship Medal and/or Pitt Token

IV. French New World Issues

9. Billon Coinage
10. French Colonies

V. Speculative Issues, Tokens, and Patterns

11. Nova Constellatio coppers

VI. Coinage of the States

12. Massachusetts
13. Connecticut
14. Machin Mills
15. New Jersey
16. Vermont

VI. Private Tokens after Confederation

17. North American Token
18. Kentucky Token
19. Mott Store Card
20. Kentucky Token
21. Franklin Press
22. Talbot, Allum, and Lee Cents

VII. Washington Pieces

23. Washington Triumpho Token
24. Washington Military Bust or Draped Bust
25. Washington Undated Liberty & Security'
26. Getz Pattern
27. Washington Success Medal

VIII. Fugio Cents

28. Fugio Cent (any variety)

IX. Spanish Colonial Issues

29. Spanish Milled Dollar or related piece

Lakesammman · February 10, 2008 1:36AM

Looks like a reasonable attempt. I'd be interested in what the colonial experts have to day - I would add the Chalmers short worm.

mgoodm3 · February 10, 2008 1:39AM

If you like it, then it's fine.

Mark · February 10, 2008 1:44AM

RYK:

I am probably over looking it but I do not see a Virginia halfpenny. It's relatively inexpensive, available in RD (rare for any colonial), and surely was struck for use in the colonies. However I cannot see where it fits in your 12 sub-types, but I expect that is ignorance on my part.

Mark

ColonialCoinUnion · February 10, 2008 2:27AM

I'm actually the one who suggested the Basic Design Set you linked to PCGS, and I did it (and determined what would be in it) specifically because the smallest existing PCGS colonial type set at that time included these coins. Note I cut and pasted this so the individual coin weights are still attached (and are in desperate need of being corrected/updated):

Sommer Islands Twopence 8
Sommer Islands Threepence 10
Sommer Islands Sixpence 8
Sommer Islands Shilling 8
Massachusetts Silver NE Threepence 10
Massachusetts Silver NE Sixpence 10
Massachusetts Silver NE Shilling 10
Massachusetts Silver Willow Tree Threepence 10
Massachusetts Silver Willow Tree Sixpence 9
Massachusetts Silver Willow Tree Shilling 9
Massachusetts Silver Oak Tree Twopence 5
Massachusetts Silver Oak Tree Threepence 6
Massachusetts Silver Oak Tree Sixpence 6
Massachusetts Silver Oak Tree Shilling 6
Massachusetts Silver Pine Tree Threepence 5
Massachusetts Silver Pine Tree Sixpence 5
Massachusetts Silver Pine Tree Shilling 5
Maryland Penny 9
Maryland Fourpence 7
Maryland Sixpence 6
Maryland Shilling 7
New Jersey St. Patrick Farthing 3
New Jersey St. Patrick Halfpenny 5
American Plantation Token 3
Rosa Americana Twopence (no date) 2
Rosa Americana 1722 Halfpenny 2
Rosa Americana 1722 Penny 2
Rosa Americana 1722 Twopence 2
Rosa Americana 1723 Halfpenny 2
Rosa Americana 1723 Penny 2
Rosa Americana 1723 Twopence 2
Woods Hibernia 1722 Farthing 2
Woods Hibernia 1722 Halfpenny 1
Woods Hibernia 1723 Farthing 1 1
Woods Hibernia 1723 Halfpenny 1 1 2
Woods Hibernia 1724 Farthing 2
Woods Hibernia 1724 Halfpenny 2 1 2
Virginia 1773 Halfpenny 1 1 2
Virginia 1773 Penny 6 1 2
Virginia 1774 Shilling 8
Elephant Token Halfpenny London 3 1
Elephant Token 1694 Halfpenny Carolina 7
Elephant Token 1694 Halfpenny New England 8
New Yorke Token (undated) 7
Gloucester 1714 Shilling 9
Higley Copper 1737 8
Voce Populi Farthing 6
Voce Populi Halfpenny 2
Pitt Token Farthing 7
Pitt Token Halfpenny 3
Rhode Island Ship Medal 3
Chalmers Threepence 6
Chalmers Sixpence 7
Chalmers Shilling 5
French Colonies Copper Double 1670 9
French Colonies 5 Sols 1670-A 4
French Colonies 15 Sols 1670-A 8
French Colonies 6 Deniers 1717 Q 8
French Colonies 12 Deniers 1717 Q 8
French Colonies 6 Deniers 1720-A 2 1 2
French Colonies 20 Sols Silver 1720-A 3
French Colonies 15 deniers 1711-1713AA 2
French Colonies 30 Deniers 1709-1713AA 1
French Colonies 30 Deniers 1709-1713D 1
French Colonies Half sou marque 1738-1748 1
French Colonies Sou marque 1738-1762 1
French Colonies 9 Deniers 1721 1 1 2
French Colonies 9 Deniers 1722 1 1 2
French Colonies Sou 1767 1 1 2
French Colonies Sou 1767 RF 1
Continental Curency Pewter 6
Nova Constellatio 1783 2
Nova Constelatio 1785 2
Nova Constellatio 1786 7
Immune Columbia 1785 7
Immune Columbia 1785 George III 6
Immune Columbia 1787 IMMUNIS COLUMBIA Eagle Rev 4
Confederatio Copper 1785 8
Confederatio Copper 1786 IMMUNIS COLUMBIA 8
New Hampshire Copper 8
Massachusetts 1787 Half Cent 2
Massachusetts 1787 Cent 2 1
Massachusetts 1788 Half Cent 2 1
Massachusetts 1788 Cent 2 1
Connecticut 1785 Bust Right 2
Connecticut 1785 Bust Left 3
Connecticut 1786 Head Right 2
Connecticut 1786 Bust Left 2
Connecticut 1787 Head Right 3
Connecticut 1787 Bust Left 2
Connecticut 1788 Bust Right 2
Connecticut 1788 Bust Left 2 1
New York 1786 VIRTUTE 7
New York 1787 7
Machins Mill 1747 3
Machins Mill 1771 3
Machins Mill 1772 GIVS 3
Machins Mill 1774 GIVS 3
Machins Mill 1775 3
Machins Mill 1776 3
Machins Mill 1778 3
Machins Mill 1784 4
Machins Mill 1787 3
Machins Mill 1788 3
Nova Eborac 1787 3
New Jersey 1786 2
New Jersey 1787 2
New Jersey 1788 2
Vermont 1785 IMMUNE COLUMBIA 6
Vermont 1785 Eye 4
Vermont 1786 Baby Head 5
Vermont 1786 Bust Left 4
Vermont 1787 Bust Left 7
Vermont 1787 Bust Right 3 1
Vermont 1788 Bust Right 3
North American Token 1781 2
Bar Copper (Undated) 5
Auctori Plebis Token 1787 2
Mott Token 1789 2
Standish Barry 1790 Threepence 8
Albany Church Penny (1790) 8
Kentucky Copper (1792-94) 1 1 2
Franklin Press Token 1794 1 1
Myddelton Token 1796 6 1 2
Copper Co. of Upper Canada 1796 5
Castorland Medal 4 1 2
New York Theatre Token 6
Talbot Allum & Lee Cent 1794 1 1 2
Texas Jola 7
North West Company Token 5
Washington 1783 TRIUMPHO 2
Washington 1783 Large Military Bust 1 1 2
Washington 1783 Military Bust 1
Washington 1783 Draped Bust 1 1 2
Washington 1783 UNITY STATES 1
Washington Undated Double Head Cent 1
Washington 1784 Ugly Head 8
Washington 1791 Cent 3 1
Washington 1791 Halfpenny LIVERPOOL 4
Washington Cent WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA 5
Washington 1792 Cent WASHINGTON PRESIDENT 5
Washington 1792 Cent Roman Head Proof 8 1
Washington 1793 Ship Halfpenny 2
Washington 1795 Halfpenny Grate Token 1 1
Washington 1795 Halfpenny Liberty and Security 2
Washington Undated Penny Liberty and Security 2 1 2
Washington Success Medal Large Size 2
Washington Success Medal Small Size 2
Washington 1795 North Wales Halfpenny 2
Fugio Cent 1 1
1792 Silver Center Cent 10 1
1792 Birch Cent 10 1
Washington Getz 1792 Cent Small Eagle Copper 8
Washington Getz 1792 50C Large Eagle Silver 8
1792 Half Disme 8 1
1792 Disme 10 1
1792 Quarter 10 1

Talk about intimidating!

I tried to pair this down twice - once with the Complete Design Set, then further with the Basic Design Set.

But I am very much in favor of a further reduction to develop a starter set of the sort you are suggesting.

I was actually writing a blog on this topic and need time to think about the individual items, but I think yours is a good start.

MWallace · February 10, 2008 2:31AM

<< I am probably over looking it but I do not see a Virginia halfpenny. >>

II. Coinage Authorized by British Royal Patent
5. Virginia Halfpenny

DustyCoinbox · February 10, 2008 2:32AM

RYK, this is a great idea, IMHO!

I've always dreamed of starting into colonials, but really didn't know where/how to begin. A starter set would provide an ideal entry into this area.

RYK · February 10, 2008 2:37AM

<< RYK:

I am probably over looking it but I do not see a Virginia halfpenny. It's relatively inexpensive, available in RD (rare for any colonial), and surely was struck for use in the colonies. However I cannot see where it fits in your 12 sub-types, but I expect that is ignorance on my part.

Mark >>

This was an oversight. Thank you for pointing it out.

Mark · February 10, 2008 2:42AM

MWallace:

Thanks. I knew I missing it!

Oh, wait a minute. Perhaps sneaky RYK added it. Sly dog!

More seriously, I wish PCGS would create such a truly basic set as RYK outlined. The current basic set could be then called "advanced basic."

MidLifeCrisis · February 10, 2008 12:58PM

<< I wish PCGS would create such a truly basic set as RYK outlined. The current basic set could be then called "advanced basic." >>

I agree...and I think RYK and CCU have defined a very collectible basic list of coins which circulated in - or have a reasonable connection to - the Colonies and the early US, along with appropriate historical context.

mrearlygold · February 10, 2008 1:05PM

ColonialCoinUnion · February 10, 2008 1:36PM

I made a few tweaks based on criteria that I think are important:

I added the Immunis Columbia, Chalmers and Bar Cent because they are important issues, very popular and generally obtainable for comparable or less money than a same-grade piece of Mass silver. They aren't cheap though.

This list could be pared down by eliminating either some expensive coins (like the ones above), a Rosa or Hibernia (based on their similar designs), one Vermont (as one can represent the whole series), a Washington piece, and/or any other coin deemed to be least 'important' based on the owner's criteria.

To the extent possible, I think it's nice to have issues that vary in design, composition and size because that adds visual interest, particular in this specialty, where many of the coins are copper and about the same size. To that end, I'd suggest to find opportunities for variation - such as making my Rosa Americana coin a large Twopence, my French Colonies piece a distinct billon coin, my Washington portrait type an undated Liberty & Security penny (which is the large size of an English penny of the period), etc.

But all in all, this isn't too different from what RYK came up with -

I. The British Colonies in America

1. Any Massachusetts Oak Tree or Pine Tree coin
2. Any St. Patrick Coin

II. Coinage Authorized by British Royal Patent

3. Any American Pantation Token
4. Any Rosa Americana coin
5. Any Woods Hibernia coin
6. A Virginia Halfpenny, Period or No period

III. Early American and Related Tokens

7. Any Elephant token
8. Any Voce Populi
9. A Pitt Halfpenny
10. Any Rhode Island Ship Medal
11. Any Chalmers silver coin

IV. French New World Issues

12. Any French Colonies coin of any type or composition

V. Speculative Issues, Tokens, and Patterns

13. Any Nova Constellatio coppers
14. Immunis Columbia Copper

VI. Coinage of the States

15. Any Massachusetts copper
16. Any Connecticut copper
17. Any Machin Mills Halfpenny
18. Any Nova Eborac Copper
19. Any New Jersey copper
20. Any Vermont landscape type
21. Any Vermont portrait type

VI. Private Tokens after Confederation

22. North American Token
23. Bar Cent
24. Mott Store Card
25. Franklin Press Token
26. Any Talbot, Alum & Lee Cent

VII. Washington Pieces

27. Washington Triumpho Token
28. Any Washington portrait type

VIII. Fugio Cents

29. Any Fugio Cent

IX. Spanish Colonial Issues

30. Spanish Milled Dollar

MidLifeCrisis · February 10, 2008 1:46PM

<< I added the Immunis Columbia, Chalmers and Bar Cent because they are important issues, very popular and generally obtainable for comparable or less money than a same-grade piece of Mass silver. They aren't cheap though. >>

Where are the Myddelton Tokens? Just kidding.

Good list...and obviously a collector could start out by obtaining just one of the coins listed in each category, then expand from there.

So, any chance the PCGS Registry Sets for colonials will ever get updated/improved?

RYK · February 12, 2008 8:58AM

And so it begins...

IX. Spanish Colonial Issues

30. Any Spanish Colonial Issue (1779 Mexico 4 Reales XF45)

LanLord · February 12, 2008 9:05AM

This thread is completely useless without pictures

RYK · February 12, 2008 9:07AM

<< This thread is completely useless without pictures >>

When the set is complete, I will post a photo of each. Until then...

Longacre · February 19, 2008 2:05AM

Very interesting concept. I still don't know why I think colonials are so scary.

Lakesammman · February 19, 2008 2:39AM

LanLord:

Perhaps your contribution could be pictures from auction archives?

DoctorPaper · February 19, 2008 2:42AM

Nice!!

novacaesarea · March 2, 2008 12:32PM

RYK,

Very interesting post. Great way to get started in Colonial coins. Each piece you have included also has a great history to go along with it. I like CCU's modifications as well. In particular, the substitution of the prohibitive Getz Dollar with more affordable Washington pieces.

I would only suggest adding two fairly affordable pieces. A Dutch Lyon Dollar (X)...the Dutch equivalent of the Spanish Pillar dollar which circulated widely in the New Amsterdam (New York). In fact there are both New York and New Jersey Paper Money payable in Lyon Dollars. I would also add a British Counterfeit Halfpenny (maybe under I or III) which probably saw wider circulation in the Colonies than any single coin you have listed. Nice examples of each can be acquired in the sub $500 range.

Great post ad thread.

novacaesarea

RYK · March 2, 2008 12:40PM

NC,

Thank you for your input. If CCU, my dealer-collector-friend-mentor, approves, I will add your well-reasoned suggestions to the set.

RYK

MidLifeCrisis · March 2, 2008 12:51PM

<< And so it begins... >>

There are many ways to customize and personalize such a collection.

I recognize most of the coins on your list and, frankly, I'd love to have many of them in my collection...you beat me to them!

Seriously though, you are putting together a really nice collection RYK.

RYK · March 2, 2008 2:01PM

<< 

<< And so it begins... >>

There are many ways to customize and personalize such a collection.

I recognize most of the coins on your list and, frankly, I'd love to have many of them in my collection...you beat me to them!

Seriously though, you are putting together a really nice collection RYK. >>

Thanks. I am trying to do this without getting too carried away. I may be adding a new wrinkle to this soon--CCU does not know about it yet--as Boiler78 gave me an interesting (NOT pattern-related) idea.

RYK · November 26, 2008 12:19AM

I recently had some of my poor man's

colonial coins imaged by Mark G, and, as promised, now post them to this thread. IIRC, all of these coins were less than $2000, many much less, and all were purchased from CRO:

Washington ship halfpenny:

Virginia halfpenny:

Fugio:

Vermont Landscape:

Talbot, Allum, and Lee

St. Patrick's halfpenny (I dig the reverse splasher!)

William Pitt:

Nove Constellatio:

New Jersey:

Massachusetts Cent:

Machin Mills:

Kentucky Token:

Connecticut:

American Plantation token (original):

I have some others which were previously posted and some still yet unposted and/or unphotographed. I will update this thread when I have these better organized. I can also post some colonial era meadals, if anyone is interested.

Longacre · November 26, 2008 12:23AM

Great coins, RYK. What's the story with the reverse of the William Pitt coin? Was the engraver half in the bag when he did that one?

MidLifeCrisis · November 26, 2008 12:28AM

Awesome collection RYK!

ColonialCoinUnion · November 26, 2008 1:06AM

<< Great coins, RYK. What's the story with the reverse of the William Pitt coin? Was the engraver half in the bag when he did that one? >>

The obverse is the fun side - he forgot the last 'R' in RESTORER and then tried to sneak a tiny one in.

CertifiedGoldCoins · November 26, 2008 3:09AM

Awesome to see these all at once. Thanks for sharing.

SpaceMonkey · November 26, 2008 3:30AM

very cool RYK.

they look great together.... and yeah that Pitt coin is pretty amusing... looks like the ship crashed into the word AMERICA.

-sm

pmac · November 26, 2008 3:43AM

Up from the original collection of two? Great presentation of colonials. It nice to enjoy other people's labor of love.

RYK · November 26, 2008 3:43AM

Of the ones posted, my fave is the Virginia Halfpenny.

Here are some colonial era medals, all obtained from John Kraljevich/Pistareen:

Franklin's 80th biday:

Fort Louisbourg:

Death of William Pitt:

Holland Declares America Free:

RYK · November 26, 2008 3:45AM

<< Up from the original collection of two? Great presentation of colonials. It nice to enjoy other people's labor of love. >>

Actually, if you include additional colonials, medals, colonial currency, and foreign money circulating in early America, it has become quite a collection. The examples shown are the ones that were recently photographed by Mark G.

BillyKingsley · November 26, 2008 3:58AM

I love the colonials but unfortunatly they are way out of my price range. They would have to be in such poor condition that you wouldn't be able to tell what they are. Some of them go for more then I paid for my car.

I'd really love to have a Machins Mills example...the location was someplace I'm very familiar with, and were it not for the Hudson River seperating us, would actually be in walking distance to my house.

I have seen a Massachusets Pine Tree shilling. What a thrill to think about how that got to where it was, and how long ago it was made and the things that were happening in that time period.

A colonial type set for the masses?

Comments

Leave a Comment