Hidden History? Ancient Coins Discovered Buried in Dunedin - 1857 Press Report

Some men turned up from a depth of several feet silver coins of ancient date. How these coins came in the place in which they were found is a subject for speculation.

6 Pence - Elizabeth I

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Auckland Examiner, 22 October 1857, Page 4

Some time since some men, who were making alterations in the stables of Mr. Flanagan, situate in Stafford-street, Dunedin, turned up from a depth of several feet beneath the pavement a few silver coins of ancient date. One is a coin of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, dated 1568; two others are evidently of the reign of Henry VIII; another is apparently a Dutch or German coin.

Amongst the coins is a copper token, which presents the appearance of having been plated with silver. This token is in a good state of preservation, and bears date 1760. On one side there is a profile of George the Third, with the following words of the nature of a prophecy.—l760 around it; “ George III. reigns 1809;” and on the reverse side “Long live the king.” The name of the prophet or artist is “Kettle ” How or where these coins came in the place in which they were found is a subject for speculation.

Token - George III Long Reign 1760-1809 - Kettle and Sons

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In all probability it must have been subsequent to the date of the token 1760. Cook’s visits to New Zealand were between that date and 1777. That the coins were lost by any of Cook’s sailors does not seem feasible, inasmuch as coins of Henry and Elizabeth were not current coins of the realm at that time, the old currency having been called in during the reign of William and Mary. They may have been buried by the natives who used to be in the habit of burying money or other valuables by way of security. If so, how the natives became possessed of them may form a fertile theme for discussion to those who are disposed so to occupy themselves.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AKEXAM18571022.2.17

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