Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105056
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Description
This sixpence coin, dated to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, was hidden by Walter Bagnall on Richmond Island before his death in 1631. The coin was stamped with the text "ELIZABETH.D.G.ANG.FR. ET.HI.REGINA," or "Elizabeth by the grace of God, Queen of England..." and "POSUI DEV. ADIVTOREM.MEV.," or "I have made God my helper."
Walter 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."
Bagnall had violated his social responsibilities, and as a result, Warrabitta’s brother, Skitterygusset, killed Bagnall and burned down the trading post. This act was a redistribution of power and asserted Wabanaki jurisdiction of the area. It is thought that Bagnall hoarded and buried money just before his murder. A trove of coins and a signet ring were discovered on the site in 1855. The number of coins and their international span demonstrates the far reaches of the fur trade in Maine.
About This Item
- Title: Queen Elizabeth I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1572
- Creation Date: 1572
- Subject Date: 1572
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Silver
- Dimensions: 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
- Local Code: 819*14
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Coins, British
- Coins, English
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- Elizabeth I, Queen of England, 1600-1649
- Maine--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Money
- Richmond Island (Me.)
- United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Wabanaki Indians
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
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