Commems Collection Classic: 1934 Maryland Tercentenary - Design Similarity?

A brief notice about the arrival and local availabilty of the Maryland Tercentenary half dollar appeared in multiple newspapers in Maryland in July 1934.

In addition to announcing the availability of the coins, the pieces also stated:

"It is said one of the features which makes the coin desirable is its similarity to the old Lord Baltimore shilling, used in the colony in the seventeenth century."

But how similar are the designs?

Cecil Calvert, who inherited the land grant for the Province of Maryland upon the death of his father (George), had coins struck for use in the Maryland colony (with the expectation that they would circulate in the other colonies as well). Four different denominations were struck: silver coins of four Pence, six Pence and 12 Pence (One Shilling) plus a small number of pattern pieces for a copper one penny coin called a denarium.

It is believed that the coins were struck at the Tower Mint in London in 1659 and 1660; the silver coins were delibrately struck underweights by ~30% (vs. the British standard of the time) to ensure Cecil Calvert would profit by their use. Calvert soon found himself in trouble over the coins, however, as it was argued by some that he did not have coining authority. Calvert was brought before the Committee of the Council for the Plantations in England. It does not appear that he received any type of harsh punishment regaring his coinage, however, and he was able to export the siilver coins to the Province of Maryland, with records indicating that circulation of the pieces began by 1663 and continued for years after.

The three silver coins shared a common design, with the size of the coin and its inscribed denomination changing as appropriate. Nicholas Briot is the credited designer.

Each of the coins features a portrait of Cecil Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore on the obverse and a design incorporating the Calvert family Coat-of-Arms surmounted by a crown/coronet indicative of George Calvert's status as a British Baron.

(1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling

(image Credit: Heritage Auxtions. https://www.ha.com)

1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar




IMO, the design similarities would have to be considered a stretch, but they do share a similarity in theme: portrait of Calvert on the obverse, Shield/Coat-of-Arms on the reverse. What do you think?


For other posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the Maryland half dollar, see: Commems Collection.

For a bit more on the Coat-of-Arms side of the Maryland half dollar, check out:

- Official Seals On Classic US Commemoratives - Part III