ACTS OF TREASON!!

This "contemporary counterfeited hammered shilling" was recovered on North Carolina's beaches by Soda Pop Pirate, Archie Gay, along with "authentic hammered shillings" dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. How could this be? The coin was sent to the British Museum, London, England. B.J.Cook of the Museum writes....."I can confirm that the initial mark crown Charles I shilling you sent is indeed a contemporary counterfeit. Although they are not frequent in hoards(for which good materials was picked), when the hammered coinage of England was recalled for the Great Recoinage of 1696, one-sixth of this coin was discovered to be false...."

Archie Gay, researches the matter further....."Why would a 16th century counterfeiter commit an act of "treason", punishable by death....by using pure silver to counterfeit silver coinage?" .....Further investigation into the makeup of the coin revealed the answer. Archie writes...."this coin is made of silver, but weighs only 3.87 grams. The counterfeiter,therefore,only used about 72% of the silver in the genuine coin. He was earning about one shilling with every four fakes!!.."

What could these shillings, authentic or counterfeit, purchase for someone during the 16th or 17th centuries? Why would anyone risk treason and even death by such an undertaking?

Mark Parker of WESTERN & EASTERN TREASURES magazine writes...."..question concerning value or purchasing power of a shilling in the 17th century is...difficult to answer because of the major differences in the relative values of commodities then and now. Wages were very low, and so were the prices of ordinary foods and beverages. On the other hand, clothing was incredibly expensive"....."these(figures)for c.1600 should be fairly close.

One shilling=12 pence;20 shillings= 1 pound.

Skilled worker's wages by the day, without food or drink:10-14 pence, or about one shilling; hired boy;three shillings per week. Soldier's daily pay: 8 pence;sergeant,drummer, or army surgeon: 1 shilling a day.

Each of the following would have cost a shilling:butter, 3lbs.;cheese,6lbs.;eggs, 3&1/2 doz.;beef:7lbs;beer:3 gals.

A soldier's sword & dagger or a helmet would have cost 8 shillings; a man's ordinary suit or a woman's working dress, 20 shillings; a fancy gown, 200 shillings......"

Charles I,(1641-3)Elizabeth I,(1560-1) (silver) Authentic shillings recovered by Capt'n Seaweed, along North Carolina's beaches