[CheetahCats]

Pictured is a 1733 Halfpence that I've just recently acquired for my William Wood collection.

To many it is known that William Wood was responsible for the Rosa Americana and Hibernia coinages; The Rosa America for use in the American Colonies, the Hibernia coinage finding its way to the American Colonies due to lack of Irish acceptance.

However, some are unaware that William Wood is also attributed to coinage minted for the Isle of Man.

Philip Nelson's 1903 book, The Coinage of William Wood, 1722-1733 discusses this. That said, the chapter on Isle of Man is very scant for conclusive attributing.

Can anyone recommend an alternative and more definitive reference source for attributing Isle of Man pence and halfpence for the period of 1722-1733?

Any guidance would be most appreciated.

Thanks, kindly

- CheetahCats

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[andyg]

Yes, a good book is Coincraft's Standard Catalogue of Scotland, Ireland, Channel Isles and Isle of Man.

Ar regards attribution to William Wood, they have this to say.

For the patterns,
"The pattern pennies dated 1723-32 were considered by the eminent numismatic historians Nelson and Clay to have been the work of William Wood, better known for his work on the George I Irish coinage on account of similarities in style and execution. Wood died in 1730, but the early patterns coincide with the production of the Irish pennies"

For the circulation issue,
"The coinage is now assumed to have been struck in Britain, possibly by adherants of William Wood, owing to the wording 'hath sent over' being used in the act authorising the coinage.

The population of the Isle of Man in 1733 was 15,000 and this first issue would have provided every man, womand and child on the island with eleven pieces each. However in practise the coins disappeared from circulation and reappeard in Ireland [..] A second issue was authorised to be struck on the island by Amos Topping and Samuel Dyall, who arrived on Man in January 1733." It is likely the second issue were struck in Castletown, IOM.

[thedeadpoint]

Whoa. The eagle/bird eating out of the crown? I presume the minter wasn't a Loyalist?

[CheetahCats]

thedeadpoint, on Jun 21 2010, 08:39 PM, said:

Whoa. The eagle/bird eating out of the crown? I presume the minter wasn't a Loyalist?

Not exactly. On the obverse of Wood's Derby coins is the motto "SANS CHANGER" (Without Change) with the Derby family crest depicted; pursuant to legend:

"Early in the fourteenth century Sir Thomas De Lathom was walking in a wild part of his park with wife, who was childless. In this place, it was said, an eagle had its nest. On coming near this spot they heard the cries of a child, which was found by the servants dressed in rich swaddlling clothes lying in the nest. Sir Thomas, having no family, adopted the heaven-sent child. The child became the heir, and on dying left an only daughter, Isabel, who married Sir John Stanley, who, in memory of the event, took the Eagle and Child as his crest, which has continued the crest of the Derby family to this day."*

*The Coinage of William Wood, 1722-1733, Philip Nelson - 1903, Republished by Durst ©1989.

[thedeadpoint]

Ahh, thank you!

[Art]

Very interesting. All new to me.