Author: BNS Blog Coordinator

An Unusual Counterfeit Charles I 1b2 Shilling, mm Heart – Gary Oddie

This note presents a detailed analysis of a recently acquired Charles I shilling. It’s weight was suspiciously low and the colour not quite right. XRF analysis reveals a low silver content and the density confirms the alloy to be almost pure copper. Apart from the curious alloy it is an exceptional cast copy of a coin that is a die duplicate of Brooker 434. Unless any compelling evidence of more recent manufacture is found, e.g., the discovery of more identical specimens or further analysis reveals unexpected metals, I am inclined to consider this to be of near-contemporary manufacture. Also see:

A Token of Appreciation for a Jacobean Hoard – Gary Oddie

In August 1847 a hoard of silver coins was found by workmen digging a foundation at Deighton, four miles south of York. The coins ranged from the reign of Mary to James I, with the latest datable to 1613. Some of the coins were donated to the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and are now in York Museum. The rest were returned to the landowner, Lord Wenlock.A silver tankard was made, with several of the coins mounted on the outside, and presented to the finder. The location of the tankard was unknown until it appeared at auction in 2014 when it was sold along with a silver salver, also mounted with silver coins. From the weights of the tankard and salver, it is speculated that the hoard was melted to provide the silver.

A Mould for a 17th Century Lead Token – The Rose at Stony Lane, Southwark – Gary Oddie

The copper and brass tokens issued between 1648 and 1672 are well known and several of the original dies used to make them have survived. There is also a smaller, parallel series of cast lead tokens that started several decades earlier and finished about the same time with the introduction of a regal copper coinage in 1672. This note presents a copper alloy mould, found recently on the Thames foreshore, which was used to make a lead token for the Rose Tavern on Stony Lane, Southwark. The token is known and a specimen is illustrated.

A Punch for the Octagonal Countermark of 1804 – Gary Oddie

Several years ago, the author acquired an octagonal punch suspected to have been used by counterfeiters to create countermarked dollars similar to the official Bank of England issues of 1804. The punch was tested on soft metals and a genuine dollar. Close inspection revealed a very small, and previously un-noticed, mark in the folds of the drapery. This mark is not present on the Maundy penny bust. Inspection of several genuine octagonal countermarked dollars reveals this mark to be present and suggests that this is an official punch.

Insertions in a copy of Robertson’s ‘A Handbook to the Coinage of Scotland’ – David Rampling

The late nineteenth century saw a major advance in the study of Scottish coins. Pre-eminent in this development were two enthusiasts, Robert Cochran-Patrick and Edward Burns. The popularisation of Scottish numismatics was further aided by those who drew inspiration from these luminaries. This note draws attention to one whose interests and abilities proved conducive to this process.

Cark Cotton Works, 4 Shillings 6 Pence, Manville 101 – A New Variety – K. V. Eckardt

As was the case with many enterprises in Scotland and the North of England Spanish Colonial 8 Real coins were countermarked to create a local currency for payment to employees. The Series has been studied in detail for many years, by Harry Manville, Eric Hodge, David MacFarlan and others, so it is rare and interesting when a new variety is uncovered. A recent discovery has just been the case with Cark Cotton Works.