Unveiled: Silver Shilling Unlocks Colonial Ties and a Bone-Chilling Execution

The unearthing of a rare silver shilling in Maryland holds significant historical connections. The coin, depicting King Charles I, was minted in the Tower of London around 1633-1634 and discovered within the believed walls of the St. Mary's Fort. Researchers believe the coin may have been carried by one of the original American colonists who arrived in 1634, offering crucial evidence for dating the site. The shilling's maker's mark also links it to royalty, adding to the captivating tale of St. Mary's Fort and its inhabitants.

Archaeological Discovery Unravels Historic Connections and a Gruesome Tale

In a remarkable archaeological discovery that has captivated historians and numismatists alike, a rare and ancient silver shilling has emerged from the depths of Maryland's soil, shedding new light on the connections between royalty, colonization, and a gruesome execution.

The silver shilling, dating back nearly 400 years, depicts King Charles I of England, adorned with a goatee and a lace collar. Its discovery within what is believed to be the confines of the St. Mary's Fort in Maryland ignited a chain of research that has unlocked fascinating insights into the early colonial era.

Researchers believe that the coin, minted with a telltale "mint mark," was likely dropped by one of the original colonists who arrived in the fledgling Maryland colony in 1634. This remarkable artifact serves as a tangible reminder of the settlers' presence and the hardships they endured in establishing a new life in the wilderness.

The obverse side of the shilling bears the image of King Charles I, a monarch whose reign was marked by both controversy and tragedy. Born in 1600 at Dunfermline Castle in Scotland, Charles I ascended to the throne in 1625. His reign was characterized by conflict, including power struggles with Parliament, religious tensions, and ultimately, the outbreak of the English Civil War.

In a gruesome twist of fate, King Charles I's reign came to an abrupt and violent end in 1649. He was captured by Parliamentarian forces and sentenced to death for high treason. On January 30, 1649, he was publicly beheaded in London, an event that sent shockwaves throughout the nation and beyond.

The reverse side of the silver shilling features a miniature image of a castle portcullis, a formidable gate often used to protect the entrances of castles in medieval England. The portcullis symbolized strength and security, guarding against invasion and ensuring the well-being of the castle's inhabitants.

Another notable aspect of the coin is the presence of a coat of arms and the Latin motto "Christo Auspice Regno," which translates to "I Reign Under the Auspices of Christ." This phrase reflects the monarch's belief in the divine right of kings, a concept prevalent during that era.

According to Travis Parno, the chief project archaeologist, the shilling bears a "maker's mark" on both sides, indicating that it was struck in the royal mint within the Tower of London around 1633 or 1634. This discovery further solidifies the coin's connection to the early colonial period and provides valuable evidence for the dating of the St. Mary's Fort site.

The St. Mary's Fort, located in southern Maryland, holds a pivotal place in Maryland's history. It was the first permanent European settlement in the colony and served as a vital outpost for the surrounding area. For decades, researchers have meticulously excavated the site, hoping to uncover clues to its rich past.

Prior to the discovery of the silver shilling, the precise date of the fort's establishment remained elusive. However, a breakthrough occurred in 2018 when a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust enabled Parno to employ a geophysicist and conduct a comprehensive ground-penetrating radar survey.

Ironic as it may seem, Parno had previously joked with his archaeological team about finding tangible proof to date the site. "If you could find me a coin that has 1634 on it, that would be helpful," he had quipped. Little did he know that fate would soon deliver such a prized artifact.

The discovery of the King Charles I silver shilling within the confines of the fort provided definitive evidence that the area was indeed inhabited during the early colonial period. The coin's presence offers a tangible connection to the settlers who arrived in 1634, their hopes and dreams intertwined with the establishment of a new colony in the untamed wilderness.

Archaeologist Travis Parno emphasized that the silver shilling likely belonged to an individual with substantial disposable income, a person of means who was likely connected to the early colonial elite. Its discovery sheds light on the presence of social hierarchy and economic disparities within the fledgling settlement.

The discovery of the silver shilling has generated widespread excitement among historians and numismatists. It has become a key dating tool, helping researchers to establish a more precise timeline for the occupation of the St. Mary's Fort site and the early days of Maryland's colonial era.

Beyond the silver shilling, archaeologists have uncovered a trove of valuable artifacts during their excavations at the St. Mary's Fort site. These include the skeleton of a teenager, suggesting the presence of young settlers, as well as a guardhouse's brick cellar and a trigger guard for a musket, hinting at the fort's defensive nature.

Other significant discoveries include a 4,500-year-old quartzite arrowhead, a testament to the area's pre-colonial history, and a "tinkling cone," a small piece of copper with a leather cord used in trade between Indigenous peoples and colonists.

Just last month, archaeologists unearthed a rare piece of body armor at the site, designed to safeguard the wearer's thighs during battle. An X-ray examination revealed the presence of three hearts engraved into the armor, a poignant reminder of the human lives entangled in the conflict and bloodshed that shaped the early colonial era.

The ongoing excavations at the St. Mary's Fort site promise to yield further insights into the complex tapestry of Maryland's colonial history. Researchers continue their meticulous exploration, unearthing artifacts that illuminate the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before them.

As each new discovery is made, it contributes to our understanding of the past. The silver shilling, with its intricate details and poignant connections to royalty, executions, and colonization, stands as a remarkable testament to the power of archaeological research, enriching our collective knowledge of history and human existence.