3 Pence

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.