Jersey 1813 3 shillings
This specimen was lot 30845 in Heritage sale 3029 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $881.25. The catalog description[1] noted,
"George III Era 3-Shillings 1813, rare one-year type, MS63 NGC. Sharply struck with excellent details, especially on the three leopards passant upon the shield (the official coat of arms of the Bailiwick of Jersey). The wreath is equally sharp, with high rims and totally original surfaces that shimmer with luster and exhibit ginger-gold and silvery blue iridescent toning. All in all, an especially choice example of this large-denomination issue that, while called a 'token,' was actually issued by the British at the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Jersey and other small islands close to the coast of France in the English Channel for centuries had been possessions of the dukedom of Normandy, but French influence and claims to sovereignty never abated, and thus the two countries warred over the islands for many years. In 1813, when this coin was issued, the money of the islands of Jersey and Guernsey was still French. Beginning in 1834, Jersey began to use British coins for commerce, made especially for it by the Royal Mint. Trade with France was cut off and locals no longer had access to replenishments of French money. Jersey has long been part of the British Isles but is technically no more than a dependenc[y] of the UK. Its government continues to be independent, although allegiance to the British monarchy remains strong. This 1813-dated piece, then, is the earliest of the 'British' Jersey coinage, and it represents an age-old claim that essentially became reality upon the demise of Napoleon and his immediate followers. This specimen is one of the finest to come to market in recent years. Ex: 'Colonel' E.H.R. Green; Green Estate' Partnership of Eric P Newman/B.G. Johnson."
This series of tokens included a half penny, penny and eighteen pence.
Recorded mintage: 71,104 plus a few proofs.
Specification: .891 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-Tn6.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Stuart Levine and Bruce Lorich, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3029, featuring Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part III, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
Link to:
- Jersey 1841 1/52 shilling
- Jersey 1841 1/26 shilling
- Coins and currency dated 1813
- return to coins of Jersey