Coin of dull gray nonferrous cast metal in an irregular shape, replicating a Spanish piece of eight. One side has a central cross dividing the space into quadrants, two filled with a rampant lion and two with a stylized castle. Opposite side has a pirate ship with skull and crossbones prominently emblazoned on one sail, while top sail has "PIRATES / LANCASTER / PA" in raised letters.
Produced under the auspices of the Pirates Club of Lancaster as an emblem of their men's club, likely a later rendition of the original produced c. 1948. See Notes.
Some wear and flattening on coin edge. Faces have some wear at salient points.
Object ID
2009.003.7
Notes
This coin is perhaps the one described below, or perhaps a later incarnation. The following is lifted from the history given on their website:
"A beautiful emblem of membership was suggested and adopted at a dinner meeting October 21, 1948, following a cruise to the United States Naval Base in Philadelphia. It is a sterling pocket piece – the piece-of-eight - and insures the distribution of plenty of booty. The reserve of this fine coin carries the H.S. Williamson in full sail. Her flag shows, “Pirates of Lancaster, PA.” the coin is an exact replica of a piece-of-eight “the last one left of 4,623 picked up off the Azores some years ago.” The emblems: skull and cross bones, crows nest compass, treasure map, cutlass, tri-cornered hat, Pirate chest and a bottle of rum."
Commemorative Plate, "Washington / Visits Lancaster" with image of courthouse and individuals; in brown ink. Reverse marked "DeVault-Noble / Fine China / c.1974."
200th Anniversary of the United States Army Commemorative Plate
Description
Commemorative Plate, "Riflemen of Thompson's Battalion / Commemorating the 200th Anniversary / of the United States Army / 1775 1975" with image of three soliders, each holding a longrifle on a green and blue background. Reverse contains historical and copyright information. Copyright is Lancaster County Bicentennial Committee.
Old Lancaster City Hall & Historic Masonic Lodge Commemorative Plate
Description
Commemorative Plate, "LANCASTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA / OFFICIAL BICENTENNIAL PLATE / 1776 1976 / OLD LANCASTER CITY HALL and HISTORIC LANCASTER LODGE" in brown ink. Reverse contains historical information and marked "Copyright 1975 / DEVAULT NOBLE FINE CHINA COMPANY."
