Ancient English Coin Found in Newfoundland and Labrador Unravels History at Cupids Cove

Unearthed during an archaeological excavation at Cupids Cove Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, a rare pure silver coin has sparked excitement among historians. Believed to be the oldest English coin in North America, the "half groat" from the reign of Henry VII, minted between 1493-1499, sheds new light on the early colonial era in Canada.

Ancient English Coin Discovery Unravels Echoes of History at Cupids Cove Plantation

In an extraordinary archaeological breakthrough, a rare English silver coin dating back to the reign of Henry VII has been unearthed at Newfoundland and Labrador's Cupids Cove Plantation Provincial Historic Site. This exceptional find, believed to be the oldest English coin ever discovered in North America, has captured the attention of historians and ignited a fervor of excitement among scholars.

William Gilbert, the seasoned archaeologist who first discovered the historic site in 1995 and continues to lead excavations as site supervisor, proclaimed the significance of this remarkable artifact. "Minted in Canterbury between 1493 and 1499, this coin is the oldest English specimen known to exist, surpassing any previous discoveries," Gilbert declared. "If there are indeed older English coins, I would be eager to learn of their whereabouts."

Through meticulous examination, Paul Berry, former curator of the Bank of Canada's Currency Museum, identified the coin as a Henry VII "half groat," a two-penny piece that circulated widely during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This groundbreaking discovery eclipses the previous record set by an Elizabethan coin excavated from the same site in 2001. However, the newly unearthed coin predates its predecessor by an astonishing 60 years, suggesting its circulation spanned over a century before it was lost.

Gilbert's expert analysis suggests that the coin likely crossed the Atlantic Ocean with one of the early colonists who joined John Guy, a prominent merchant from Bristol, in establishing a settlement at Cupids in 1610. Gilbert's team is meticulously excavating the northeast end of a substantial 120-foot by 90-foot structure constructed by the colonists.

"Our excavations have revealed the remains of a 'flanker,' essentially a bastion extending beyond the corner of the enclosure," Gilbert explained. "This fortification would have housed a cannon, providing a strategic vantage point overlooking the harbor."

The coin's precise location, approximately four feet east of the wall and four feet south of the flanker, provides tantalizing clues. Gilbert speculates that it may have been accidentally dropped by John Guy or one of the early colonists during the construction of the wall and flanker in the fall of 1610.

Beyond its intrinsic historical value, the coin's presence at Cupids, Canada's oldest English colony, raises intriguing questions. "The timing of this find is particularly remarkable," Gilbert observed. "The coin's minting coincides with the period when John Cabot arrived in England in 1495, initiating the era of European exploration in North America."

This serendipitous discovery weaves a compelling narrative that spans centuries, connecting the dots between the age of discovery, the establishment of the first English colony in Canada, and the lost treasure that has now resurfaced. To date, Gilbert's team has meticulously uncovered approximately 170,000 artifacts at the Cupids Cove Plantation site, but the silver coin stands as the most extraordinary find to date.

Gilbert envisions a captivating display for the coin, tentatively scheduled for next year, allowing the public to marvel at its historical significance. He emphasizes the transformative power of such discoveries, transcending their mere utility as historical remnants.

"These artifacts are not simply relics of the past," Gilbert stated with conviction. "They are catalysts for our imagination, connecting us to not only the specific colony of 1610 but to the broader tapestry of the age of discovery. They empower us to envision the voyages, the struggles, and the triumphs of those who ventured into these uncharted waters, forever etching their mark on the fabric of our history."