Catalogue
| Émetteur | Bermuda |
|---|---|
| Année | 1616 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 3 Pence (1⁄80) |
| Devise | Hogge money coinage |
| Composition | Brass |
| Poids | 1.96 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#2 |
| Description de l’avers | Hog standing left, II above it |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | III |
| Description du revers | Two-masted sailing ship between S and I |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | S I |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (1616) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 5242780960 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: Issued in 1616 under King James I, this 3 Pence coin marks the earliest coinage specifically struck for an English colony. Bermuda, then the Somers Isles, was a critical early settlement, founded after the 1609 Sea Venture shipwreck. These "Hogge Money" issues, commissioned by the Somers Isles Company, provided a much-needed circulating medium, vital for the nascent colony's economic stability and facilitating trade during a pivotal era of English expansion and transatlantic colonization.
Artistry: The engraver is unknown, but the style reflects early Jacobean English influence, albeit with rustic charm. The obverse prominently features a wild hog, a crucial food source for settlers, earning the series its "Hogge Money" moniker, with "SOMMER ILS" above. The reverse depicts a sailing ship, likely symbolizing the maritime connection and colony's founding, with the denomination "III" below, indicative of the 3 Pence value.
Technical/Grading: This 1616 Bermuda 3 Pence often exhibits characteristics of hurried, crude production. High-points for wear and strike include the hog's back and snout, and the ship's mast and sails. Collectors frequently encounter irregular planchet shapes, off-center strikes, and weak impressions, especially on legends and finer ship details. A well-struck, centered example with full legends and clear details is exceptionally rare and commands a significant premium.