Item 105059 - Queen Elizabeth I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1580

Item 105059 - Queen Elizabeth I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1580
Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Item 105059
Queen Elizabeth I English sixpence coin, Richmond Island, 1580
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This English sixpence coin was hidden by Walter Bagnall on Richmond Island before his death in 1631. The front of the coin depicted Elizabeth, crowned, with a rose behind her back. The rim was stamped with the text "ELIZABETH D.G. ANG. FR. ET HI. REGINA," or "Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France & Ireland." The reverse featured a shield with the year 1580 and the Latin motto "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 in 1631 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. 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.

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