1790 3P Baltimore Standish Barry

Coin / United States of America / 1790 / / Standish Barry Threepence / 3P

Standish Barry, of Baltimore, circulated a silver threepence in 1790. He was a watch- and clockmaker, an engraver, and, later, a silversmith. The tokens are believed to have been an advertising venture at a time when small change was scarce. The precise date on this piece may indicate that Barry intended to commemorate Independence Day, but there are no records to prove this. The head on the obverse is probably that of James Calhoun, who was active in Baltimore politics in the 1790s. The legend BALTIMORE TOWN JULY 4, 90, appears in the border. An enigmatic gold doubloon is also attributed to Barry.

coinage-type Maryland Coinage
desg MS
edge Plain
pcgs-link 609
pcgs-number 609
variety Baltimore
variety-2 Standish Barry
year-display 1790