by

Chuck Casada

Bartering was one of there most common forms of exchanging goods for services in the New World in the 18th Century. This was due in fact because there was not a lot of "hard currency" available to many people here in America. By "hard currency" I am referring to "coinage". Since we were mostly an English colony it seems logical that we adapt the mother countrys’ form of currency.

Wonderful you may think, but just what was the currency used in the English form over 240 years ago? This perplexing problem has plagued me for a very long time. Then fate steps in and enter COHT member Richard Ritherford-Moore of Great Britain. Richard is probably best known for his expertise in the filming of many British television movies. He is a technical director, and actor for the same. The most widely distributed movies that he has had an active role in is the 1812 war epics - "Sharpe".

I asked Richard to please decipher the complicated 18th century monetary system for me. So using excerpts from his letters I hopefully will be able to do the same for you. below you will find the coins used in the Mid 1700’s:

4 Farthings = 1 Penny

2 Half Pennies = 1 Penny

2 Farthings = 1 Half Penny

12 pennies = 1 Shilling

2 Sixpences = 1 Shilling

4 Threepenses = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 pound Sterling

21 Shillings = 1 Guineas

3 Third Guineas = 1 Guineas

5 Shillings = 1 Crown

2 Shillings + 1 Sixpence = Half Crown

To further complicate matters - Florins = 2 Shillings each, 10 Florins = 1 pound. There were also 1 Pence, 2 Pence, 3 Pence and 4 Pence pieces. Many coins go by "Nicknames" also. In this country a five cent piece is called a "nickel". A common trick in the 18th Century was to take a half Penny piece and give it a coat of Whitewash so that in the candle light of a tavern it might pass as a Shilling. This was called a "Blackdog".

As a rule of thumb, anything under a Threepence would be made of copper. Those coins above that denomination would be of silver. Guineas went out of circulation in 1815, and were replaced by the Sovereign Coin. Sovereigns were dropped with the introduction of the decimal system in the 1970’s. Sovereigns are still minted yet today. They are however only "issued" when the British Military personnel are on "covert" service. These coins are then hidden in the uniform and are to used for bribes, when needing civilian services etc, or in difficult situations when captured by the enemy. They are to be turned over when back from the mission.

To really complicate matters also in use were Dutch Guilders - these were minted in both gold and silver. Spanish Dollars, Cobbs and Reals were also used. A Spanish piece of eight equals 8 reals. The Spanish Dollar was minted in silver and was actually cut into either 2 - 4 - 6 or 8 pieces to make change. "Real" in Spanish translates to "Royal". All these plus French "Euc’s" were in use... Nor try and figure out how to give exact change in Sterling for a Spanish half dollar offered in payment for a quart of ale in a Living History tavern. If you were the Barkeep and you were not very good at converting the various different amounts and their equivalents you would no doubt get short changes in quick fashion!

Many Sutlers offer the various coins and they are relatively inexpensive. I carry a variety of these period coins in a small linen bag that I wear around my neck, under my shirt. Carrying a small linen bag with a variety of replica period coins is just another small way you can increase the believability of your persona an image at future living history events.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There once was an old sailor who lamented upon the condition of his shoes. Torn and tattered they were, subjecting his feet to torment with every step upon the cobblestone streets.

Upon reaching an intersection he spied another sailor standing upon crutches in the shadow of a tavern awning. Eh, Friend...Here I was lamenting my shoes but I see that thee hast lost thine leg. I am indeed a lucky man.

Yes you are replied the one legged sailor, as lucky as I. How so?, asked the torn shoed sailor. See that old soldier over there sitting upon a cart? He lost both legs to the French at Waterloo and now begs for his supper.

RETURN TO WAR POST