Maryland Coins

About This Coin

In 1659, Cecil Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore, commissioned a proprietary coinage for the Maryland colony consisting of a copper penny (Denarium) and three silver denominations: fourpence (groat), sixpence, and shilling. Despite being authorized for Maryland, all coins were struck at the Royal Mint in England. The Maryland Assembly passed enabling legislation on April 17, 1661, mandating colonists exchange tobacco for the new coinage. The coins feature Lord Baltimore's portrait on the obverse; the penny reverse shows two flags and a crown, while the silver denominations share the Baltimore family arms reverse with Roman numerals indicating value.