LITMIR.BIZ

       New Jersey

       St. Patrick or Mark Newby Coinage

      Mark Newby, who came to America from Dublin, Ireland, in November 1681, brought copper pieces believed by numismatists to have been struck in Dublin circa 1663 to 1672. These are called St. Patrick coppers.

      The coinage was made legal tender by the General Assembly of New Jersey in May 1682. The legislature did not specify which size piece could circulate, only that the coin was to be worth a halfpenny in trade. Some numismatists believe the larger-size coin was intended. However, as many more farthing-size pieces are known than halfpennies, most believe that the smaller-size piece was meant. Copper coins often circulated in the colonies at twice what they would have been worth in England.

      The obverses show a crowned king kneeling and playing a harp. The legend FLOREAT REX (“May the King Prosper”) is separated by a crown. The reverse side of the halfpence shows St. Patrick with a crozier in his left hand and a trefoil in his right, and surrounded by people. At his left side is a shield. The legend is ECCE GREX (“Behold the Flock”). The farthing reverse shows St. Patrick driving away serpents and a dragon as he holds a metropolitan cross in his left hand. The legend reads QUIESCAT PLEBS (“May the People Be at Ease”).

      The large-size piece, called by collectors a halfpenny, bears the arms of the City of Dublin on the shield on the reverse; the smaller-size piece, called a farthing, does not. Both denominations have a reeded edge.

      The decorative brass insert found on the coinage, usually over the crown on the obverse, was put there to make counterfeiting more difficult. On some pieces this decoration has been removed or does not show. Numerous die variations exist.

       St. Patrick “Farthing”

       St. Patrick “Halfpenny”

       COINAGE AUTHORIZED BY BRITISH ROYAL PATENT

       American Plantations Coins

      These pieces, struck in nearly pure tin, were the first royally authorized coinage for the British colonies in America. They were made under a franchise granted in 1688 to Richard Holt. Most examples show black oxidation of the tin. Bright, unblemished specimens are more valuable. Restrikes were made about 1828 from original dies.

       Coinage of William Wood

       Rosa Americana Coins

      William Wood, an Englishman, obtained a patent from King George I to make coins for Ireland and the American colonies.

      The first pieces struck were undated; others bear the dates 1722, 1723, 1724, and 1733. The Rosa Americana pieces were issued in three denominations—half penny, penny, and twopence—and were intended for America. This type had a fully bloomed rose on the reverse with the words ROSA AMERICANA UTILE DULCI (“American Rose—Useful and Sweet”).

      The obverse, common to both Rosa Americana and Hibernia pieces, shows the head of George I and the legend GEORGIUS D:G MAG: BRI: FRA: ET. HIB: REX (“George, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland”) or abbreviations thereof. Rosa Americana coins, however, were rejected by the American colonists. The coins are made of a brass composition of copper and zinc (sometimes mistakenly referred to as Bath metal). Planchet quality is often rough and porous.

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