Item 105063 - King Charles I English Unite coin, Richmond Island, 1626

Item 105063 - King Charles I English Unite coin, Richmond Island, 1626
Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Item 105063
King Charles I English Unite coin, Richmond Island, 1626
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This English Unite coin, a denomination of twenty shillings, was found in Richmond Island in the cache of coins hidden by Walter Bagnall.

Bagnall was the first European settler on Richmond Island, near Cape Elizabeth, in 1628. He became wealthy by cheating the Wabanaki, specifically the female leader Warrabitta’s family, at his trading post. According to Massachusetts Governor Winthrop, "Bagnall...was a wicked fellow, and had much wronged the Indians."

The obverse of the coin depicted the King's head crowned, with the text "CAROLUS D.G. MAG. BR. IR. ET. HI. REX." ("Charles by the grace of God, King of England,...") along the rim. The reverse showed the shield and the arms of England, France, Scotland and Ireland. The XX behind the King's head denotes the coin's value.

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