Sierra leone Coins of 1791

[Coin_Hunter]

It just seemed appropriate to make this post as there was some interest in the history of these pieces and I myself knew nothing about it when I bought these coins, so I went and did a little research. It didn't take long to find this most useful website.

http://rightclickhome.com/Numis/micc/01Jan2009/The%20%27Lion%20Money%27%20of%20Sierra%20Leone.htm

And a coinage was struck at Matthew Boulton's Soho Mint in Birmingham , at the time one of the best-equipped mints in the world. There were five denominations in all: a bronze 1-cent and silver 10-, 20- and 50-cent pieces as well as a dollar (shown above). All had the same general design, the obverse showing a lion in threatening pose on what is obviously high ground - a play on words for “ Lion Mountain ” (“ Sierra Leone ”). All reverses show clasped hands, light shading showing that one is black, one white. All of the first coinage is dated 1791

Makes for a great read on the topic..

Link to original post http://www.predecimal.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3664&st=300

Edited February 28, 2010 by Coin_Hunter

[Coin_Hunter]

The final denomination is an anomaly with little possibility that it ever actually circulated. This is the ONE PENNY PIECE, also dated 1791. The coin would make little sense since it would supposedly circulate side-by-side with the cent but represent 1/60 th of a dollar rather than 1/100 th . The Sierra Leone pennies Pridmore was able to examine were all either proofs or gave evidence of being impaired proofs through cabinet wear or being used as pocket pieces (the poorest condition penny he found still was a good VF). Proof sets of the Sierra Leone coins exist but the bronze piece in such sets is invariably a Cent. Dr. Henry Winterbottom (1803), writing of his time in Sierra Leone , mentions the currency prominently – but only Cents, never Pennies.