English shilling coin, King Charles I, Castine, ca. 1637

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

English shilling coin, King Charles I, Castine, ca. 1637

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Description

In 1840, this English shilling coin was found at the mouth of the Bagaduce River. The coin was stamped with the relief of a crest on one side, a bust of a man wearing a crown on the other, and the words "CHRISTO" and "CAROLUS...MAE.BRI.FR..."

Present day Castine was a contested area of overlapping Wabanaki, English and French claims for centuries. In 1674, during a period of French control, Dutch privateers attacked the fort and took the Baron of Saint-Castin (Jean Vincent d’Abbadie) and others hostage for ransom. When Saint-Castin returned to Castine in 1677, he established a trading post among Wabanakis on the Bagaduce River, about six miles from the old fort.

In 1684 Chief Madockawando’s daughter, Pidianiske (baptized as Molly Mathilde), married Saint-Castin and solidified the alliance between the French and Penobscot. Family ties and reciprocal relations gave Saint-Castin a stronger footing among Wabanaki people than the English settlers and traders encroaching up the coast. This coin may have been hidden by Saint-Castin.

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About This Item

  • Title: English shilling coin, King Charles I, Castine, ca. 1637
  • Creation Date: circa 1637
  • Subject Date: circa 1637
  • Location: Castine, Hancock County, ME
  • Media: Silver
  • Dimensions: 2.9 cm x 2.9 cm
  • Local Code: A00-52-04
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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