Collecting Jamestown: Part 2. James I halfpenny in a Pit

We start the Jamestown Collection today.

James I half-penny similar to one found at Jamestown.

   You might be surprised to learn that hundreds of coins and tokens have been unearthed since May 1994 at Jamestown, Virginia. The south palisade of the triangular fort was discovered within a few months after the shovels hit the ground, beginning with the south-east bulwark. Over the next few years, the three original palisade walls were uncovered, plus an extension to the east that was apparently added in 1608 to create a five-sided form -- who knew!

   After decades (centuries, actually) of speculation, James Fort had finally been found! This discovery presents the necromancer coin collector with a unique opportunity -- that is, to collect a set of coins that reflects those found at the Fort site. 

   Collecting Jamestown allows us to get close. Something magical is likely to happen as the set comes together, as scattered, unrelated coins take on a new meaning in this context. It will change you. We will find ourselves becoming reverent in unexpected ways. We are likely to hear the whispers of spirits.

   Today, we start with a small piece: a ha-penny from King James I. Just like the one found within the west palisade, this one shows the Coronet mint mark over-top the thistle. The mm dates the coin to 1607-09. This is a tiny sliver of silver, barely broad enough to cover the head of a nail. It is amazing that one like it was found at all. More amazing, is that it rested in the sandy, red clay for four centuries.

   The original coin was found in Pit #8. This was one of four pits (#s 8, 9, 10, & 11) that were located along the west palisade. These pits are believed to be dug-out storage and living shelters from the first three years of settlement. In the Jamestown Narratives (1998/1623) it was reported in January of 1608 that the fort was "destitute of houses ... so that they lodged in cabins and holes within the ground." 

   Pit #8 measured about 4 x 7 feet. It was back-filled with dirt and debris in about 1610 when the Fort was cleaned up after the arrival of Lord De La Warr. Consequently, this coin was part of a grouping of artifacts that is considered to be from a sealed context (1607-1610). This ha-penny was the only coin found in this pit.

   And so we ponder. Who lost it? How was it lost? Was the colonist who huddled in the pit one of the lucky ones to survive? Less than a quarter of the original colonists survived beyond the first few years.

For the collector who wants to Collect Jamestown, this ha-penny is a good place to start. They are relatively available. The coin needs to have the correct mm: Coronet. Be sure to get a pleasing coin, but not too nice -- remember, we are creating a relic collection. This is the way of the necromancer!

   In the meantime, start reading. There are several great books about the Jamestown Settlement -- and do not forget the APVA website. Read it all!