(1659) SHILNG Lord Baltimore Shilling AU50+ PCGS. Hodder 1-A, W-1080, R.6....

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Lord Baltimore Maryland Shilling, AU50+
Hodder 1-A, W-1080, Very Rare

(1659) SHILNG Lord Baltimore Shilling AU50+ PCGS. Hodder 1-A, W-1080, R.6. Ex: Roper. The state of Maryland is one of only two among the "original 13" that was controlled directly by the same family at the time of its foundation and the beginning of the American Revolution. (Pennsylvania is the other.) George Calvert, the first Baron Baltimore, campaigned for a New World charter and persevered over the opposition of the Virginia interests. He died before receiving the charter, however, and it passed to his eldest son Cecil Calvert, second Lord Baltimore and the "Lord Baltimore" who is most famous to Americans.

After the Glorious Revolution the third Baron Baltimore lost his proprietorship because he had supported the losing side. The fourth Baron Baltimore petitioned for his claim to be restored, but in another near-miss he died before receiving royal assent and the fifth Baron Baltimore took up the proprietorship instead. It then passed to the sixth and last Baron Baltimore and finally to Henry Harford. Harford was the sixth Baron Baltimore's only son, but by a mistress; due to his illegitimacy, Harford was eligible to inherit the proprietorship but not his father's title. Harford was still in his teens when the American Revolution broke out, depriving him of the proprietorship once and for all.

As noted above, Cecil Calvert, first Lord Proprietor of Maryland and second Baron Baltimore, is the most famous of the Barons Baltimore in the States and usually is known simply as "Lord Baltimore." During the English Interregnum he ordered silver coins bearing his image to be struck and shipped to his colony, "Mary's Land." Though the act practically claimed a royal prerogative and flew in the face of mercantilist principles, it was permitted and the coins --fourpence, sixpence, and shilling, along with a copper penny -- circulated in Maryland for a time.

This is among the finer Maryland / Lord Baltimore shillings known, beautifully toned blue and gold over a medium-gray base. Ample luster remains on each side, though wear is plain at the top of the crown and in Calvert's hair. Well-centered, better-struck than usual, and all-around appealing. Listed on page 40 of the 2014 Guide Book.
Ex: John L. Roper, 2nd Collection (Stack's, 12/1983), lot 43; John "Jack" Royse Collection (Stack's Bowers, 11/2012), lot 6009.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2U3L, PCGS# 34, Greysheet# 383)

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