Hello all, I dug this coin close to a very old Tavern called the Blue Anchor located in Winslow NJ. There are references that state that the land was cleared in mid 1720s. The coin was found in what I believe to be a lumberjack encampment in the vast field. Nine coins in total, all from the 1720s except for this coin. The other coins were all Hibernia's I have contacted curators and such with no progress, most of them left me scratching my head. Researching known counter marks, and hallmarks the only one I found that matches the font with a crown was John Coney earl silversmith in Boston. I realize there is no counter mark that matches his many listed silver hallmarks but that makes sense to me that he would have a die specifically made for this purpose. Would look forward to any light anyone could shed on this counter stamped coin.
You might try posting this in the US Coin forum, there are some colonial coin collectors there who might be able to help you. Nice find though!
No, though it was found in the US, it is a British coin. @aocart- I think your silversmith mark comparison is compelling. Don't know if anyone would ever be able to prove a link, but it seems pretty plausible as far as I'm concerned. Fantastic find! (PS- I took the liberty of editing your post- but not any of your content- merely to fix the line breaks.)
This one is sporting a much closer match on the initial C, with the Fleur-de-lis under the initials. On the tip of the crown on the coin there seems to be a Fleur-de-lis. The resemblance of the crown, initials, and Fleur-de-lis on a 1719 coin are a strong maybe. Coney lived from 1655 - 1722 and was active with many great silversmiths apprenticing under him, including Paul Revers father. If it is a Coney counter mark, I would truly be holding a wonderful piece of history. Hopefully there is someone out there with the knowledge to prove its provenance.
You're holding a wonderful piece of history, regardless. That sounds like a sweet site! I used to love detecting 18th century sites like that. What else did you find there? Down here in SE coastal Georgia, when I did find an old site like that, I never had any that produced that many coins. Just one or two. Three colonials, on my best day.
Thank you, I love finding the items that take weeks to research and sometimes years. From A to Z has come from this site. The field was loaded with coins. Not in the best of shape but a rare little bird. 1801 Draped Bust Half Dime.
WOW. I know of one that was found down here. That's awesome. I'd love to go diggin' with you. It is quite obvious you know where to go and what you're doin'! Keep 'em beepin'!
