Bermuda 1793 Copper Penny
Offered is a fascinating 1793 Penny struck by Boulton’s Soho Mint for circulation in the colony, KM#5. This example is of the ‘double pennant,’ simple lettering variety, suggesting that it comes from the mid-production cycle. The double pennant is actually a die clash which occurred quite early on in production (around 15% of the way through the 72 000 piece mintage), and the ‘fancy letters’ variety mentioned by Sportack in his work was actually a re-cutting of the dies in a desperate attempt to get them to survive the last 20% or so of the production cycle.
Although, as was mentioned, 72 000 pieces left the Soho Mint, a portion of the mintage was captured by French privateers on route, and only $600 in Bermudan Dollars (48 000 Pennies) actually arrived (as recorded by Chalmers in his 1893 work). This was deemed sufficient by local authorities, and so no further orders were placed for this 1-year type.
Owing to the limited nature of their availability, and the realities of the colonial economy, these pieces saw extensive, lengthy circulation, and due to the salty air of the Caribbean, generally show signs of environmental damage. This example, on the other hand does not appear egregiously corroded, and retains above average detail for the type. With even wear, and a pleasing chocolate patina, this piece represents a scarce opportunity to acquire an attractive, yet affordable type coin.
Offered is a fascinating 1793 Penny struck by Boulton’s Soho Mint for circulation in the colony, KM#5. This example is of the ‘double pennant,’ simple lettering variety, suggesting that it comes from the mid-production cycle. The double pennant is actually a die clash which occurred quite early on in production (around 15% of the way through the 72 000 piece mintage), and the ‘fancy letters’ variety mentioned by Sportack in his work was actually a re-cutting of the dies in a desperate attempt to get them to survive the last 20% or so of the production cycle.
Although, as was mentioned, 72 000 pieces left the Soho Mint, a portion of the mintage was captured by French privateers on route, and only $600 in Bermudan Dollars (48 000 Pennies) actually arrived (as recorded by Chalmers in his 1893 work). This was deemed sufficient by local authorities, and so no further orders were placed for this 1-year type.
Owing to the limited nature of their availability, and the realities of the colonial economy, these pieces saw extensive, lengthy circulation, and due to the salty air of the Caribbean, generally show signs of environmental damage. This example, on the other hand does not appear egregiously corroded, and retains above average detail for the type. With even wear, and a pleasing chocolate patina, this piece represents a scarce opportunity to acquire an attractive, yet affordable type coin.
Offered is a fascinating 1793 Penny struck by Boulton’s Soho Mint for circulation in the colony, KM#5. This example is of the ‘double pennant,’ simple lettering variety, suggesting that it comes from the mid-production cycle. The double pennant is actually a die clash which occurred quite early on in production (around 15% of the way through the 72 000 piece mintage), and the ‘fancy letters’ variety mentioned by Sportack in his work was actually a re-cutting of the dies in a desperate attempt to get them to survive the last 20% or so of the production cycle.
Although, as was mentioned, 72 000 pieces left the Soho Mint, a portion of the mintage was captured by French privateers on route, and only $600 in Bermudan Dollars (48 000 Pennies) actually arrived (as recorded by Chalmers in his 1893 work). This was deemed sufficient by local authorities, and so no further orders were placed for this 1-year type.
Owing to the limited nature of their availability, and the realities of the colonial economy, these pieces saw extensive, lengthy circulation, and due to the salty air of the Caribbean, generally show signs of environmental damage. This example, on the other hand does not appear egregiously corroded, and retains above average detail for the type. With even wear, and a pleasing chocolate patina, this piece represents a scarce opportunity to acquire an attractive, yet affordable type coin.