Owner Comments:
There are still many unanswered questions about the origin, and even the intended denomination of the interesting St. Patrick coins that come in two distinct sizes and designs. What is known is that on November 19, 1681, an English merchant, Mark Newby (sometimes spelled Newbie) emigrated to West Jersey (today New Jersey). Newby was a Quaker, and on several occasions had moved to such places as Ireland, to avoid the persecutions of King Charles II, who imprisoned thousands because of their religious beliefs. He brought with him a substantial number of the smaller "Patricks" (shown above) approximating 14,400 pieces. One of Mark's initial objectives was to become a member of the West Jersey legislature. As such, he was able to influence the passage of a May 1682 law that conferred legal tender status on the Patricks he had brought to America. The legislature categorized these coppers as "half pence", and obligated all colonists to accept them in commerce, up to a maximum of five shillings worth in any one transaction. Newby was required to pledge lands he owned as additional security to ensure the success of this St. Patrick coinage.
These smaller imported coins, considered half pence by the West Jersey legislature, have traditionally been viewed as farthings (1/4 pence) by the collecting public. All Patricks found over the years using metal detectors have been these farthings, further confirming that Newby did not import the larger sized Patricks.
It should be noted that at various times, these farthing sized Patricks, which were made in higher quantities than the larger Patricks, have been labeled by others as half pennies, with some opining that both small and large St. Patrick coppers may have been half pence. The larger coppers were probably produced first, and then redesigned and reduced in size to increase the profitability of the minting operations.
The obverse of the coin pictured above features King David kneeling, while playing an Irish harp, and looking up at a crown. Many specimens include a distinctive feature: a molten brass splasher (or a brass plug) was added to the crown during the minting process. The resulting golden appearance enhanced the realism of the crown, and may also have served as an anti-counterfeiting device. The legend on the obverse, "Floreat Rex" translates into "May The King Flourish".
The reverse of this farthing sized coin shows St Patrick with an outstretched hand, and holding a metropolitan cross, while ridding Ireland of vermin and serpents in the form of a snake, dragon, toad, etc., who are all exiting to the left. A church stands to the right of St. Patrick. The Latin legend "Qviescat Plebs" roughly translates into "May The People Rest". A few specimens exist in silver, and at least one in gold. These coins could be found in circulating change until the early 19th century.