Lark Coin Collection: Group K, 1773

Scope and content:

2 - Virginia Halfpennies. Both coins in this group were minted in 1773 at the Tower Mint in London. Although Virgina had received Royal permission to mint coins in 1609, the colony had avoided doing so until 1773 when they again received express royal permission to do so. By 1773, however, attitudes towards British rule were worsening and revolution seemed likely. Because of the threat of war, colonists began hoarding any form of copper coinage they could find. When Colonial Williamsburg was restored 40 Virginia Half-pennies were recovered, revealing a continued use of the Virginia Half-Penny well into the post-Revolutionary era, despite the image of King George which appears on the face. A slide of this coin is also included. The second example is also free of most signs of aging, but is not as lustrous.The first specimen in the collection is in beautiful condition wth barely any patina or other signs of wear. Gift of the Estate of Charles Lark Jr. Image available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/5445573275/. Located in T&E S6 SS2, Box 1. Mss 1984.042.K1-K2

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Parent terms of access:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.