Penny of the 1733 Derby coinage

Date made: 1733

Maker: unknown

Place made: Castletown

Description: This is a penny of the 1733 coinage introduced to the Isle of Man by the Earl of Derby.

It shows the three legs of Man on the reverse. The obverse shows the eagle and child, and motto 'Sans Changer', of the Derby family together with the date. It has a milled edge.

The right to issue their own coinage was enjoyed by both the Derby and Atholl families when they held the Lordship of Man. Of various coinages this is among the most interesting. It is certainly among the commonest, and was also widely forged. It is one of the few 18th century issues known to have been minted on the Island. Castle Rushen records confirm it was minted there, though Manx stories of the coins being made from melted down cannon now appear increasingly unlikely.

Materials: copper alloy/bronze

Object name: coin

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1975-0068/18

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