18th Century Bullion Weight with Lion Mark

[mangum]

Hello all! I got out yesterday with a couple buddies to do some relic hunting. Man, it was HOT! I had to take frequent breaks as we were hunting in the open. The spot we hit first had been hunted many times. The pickings were slim but I did manage to pull one very neat relic. After doing some research (and with some help from a very smart friend) I figured out that this is a 4 penny weight bullion weight (circa 1770s). This would've been used to weigh gold dust, spices, drugs etc. The 4 dots let me know its a 4 penny weight. I assume this is an English piece because of the lion. I found one almost identical on the Colchester site. If anyone can give me any insight on the significance if the lion mark I'd love to know more. I also found a few odds & ends & a broken Native American artifact. We searched a creek after lunch & didn't have any luck. It was tough hunting in the heat, I'm ready for some cooler weather! Thanks for looking & HH!

 

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[CRUSADER]

That's right and helps us to date the weight to at least the 17th century when the unofficial lion was first used by goldsmiths. Sometimes a ewer was used as a mark. I find it strange that one should be found in the States. Interesting find.

I'm not sure what you mean here as my book states that these types of Bullion weight 'rarely' had a ewer (mark of founders company). These types sometimes had a Crown or portcullis but I thought the 17th C types were mostly round. (bearing a Crowned C for Charles I or II)
Its much more likely to post date 1774 when there was major recoinage of gold & these became more common.

 

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[Old Dude]

Great and interesting find. I agree with you that it's more fun finding something new than a repeat.

 

[stryder]

Found this in North Carolina Dec. 8, 2024, and I heard of another found in Suffolk, VA. Interesting that these may be unusual finds!