Coins of British America facts for kids
The coins used in the British American colonies were special. They were made in 1688 and then again between 1722 and 1724. These coins helped people buy and sell things in the colonies a long time ago.
Contents
Coins from 1688: King James II's Design
In 1688, some of the first coins for British America were created. These coins showed King James II riding a horse on one side. This side is called the obverse. On the other side, called the reverse, there were shields with crowns on them. These designs were important because they showed who was in charge at the time.
William Wood's "American Rose" Coins
These coins are also known as the Rosa Americana coinage. Rosa Americana is Latin for "American Rose." These coins were made by a man named William Wood.
What Did the Rosa Americana Coins Look Like?
The coins showed a picture of King George I. He had a laurel wreath on his head, like a crown of leaves. He was facing to the right.
The smaller coins, like the Halfpenny and the 1 Penny, had a picture of a rose in the middle of the back side. The larger coin, called the Twopence, had a rose with a crown on top of it.
Special 1723 Penny
There was also a special 1 Penny coin made in 1723. This coin also had a crowned rose on its back side, just like the Twopence coin.
See also
- Trader's currency token of the Colony of Connecticut
- William Wood (ironmaster)
