John Thomas Scharf was a prolific historian, lawyer, politician, and Confederate veteran. He is most well known for his meticulously researched historical works that feature exhaustive research and correspondence. Scharf was one of the first American historians to heavily rely on newspapers as primary sources. Though his writing reflects his strong pro-Southern bias, his works remain invaluable for their detailed documentation. His most renowned book, History of Maryland, showcases his dedication to detail. The section on coins contains detailed illustrations and written descriptions of the money in circulation.
Illustrations and descriptions of the following coins can be found from page 276-280:
Specimens of the curious money issued by Lord Baltimore (around 1661) are in the possession of the Maryland Historical Society, and are extremely rare.
The shilling has upon the obverse: Device - A bust of Lord Baltimore, to left, slightly draped.
Legend - Caecilivs
DNS: TERRAE-MARLE Mint mark - A crosse patee or formee
In 1783, a goldsmith of Annapolis, Maryland, issued silver tokens as a speculative venture of his own. They consisted of shillings, sixpences and threepences, and are all now very rare, the two smaller pieces especially so. The shilling, first to be described, is supposed to be unique.
Obverse: EQUAL TO ONE SHI., above is a branch, below two hands clasped.
Legend: I. CHALMERS, ANNAPOLIS, 1783.
Border: Finely milled.
Reverse: Device - A chain of twelve rings, linked regularly, another ring interlinked with the three lower rings, the middle one supporting a staff with liberty-cap, above which is an eye; eleven of the rings enclose each mullet, and at each side of the liberty-cap is a mullet.
Border: Beaded, size, 13.
On the 4th of July, 1790, Mr. Standish Barry, a silversmith, issued in Baltimore, a silver token, known as "The Baltimore Town threepence."
On the obverse side the device is - A head, facing left within a plain circle.
Legend: BALTIMORE TOWN. July 4 90
Reverse: Inscription, THREE PENCE, within a plain circle.
Legend: STANDISH BERRY entwined in a beaded network.
Border and edge, milled; size, 9; weight, 13 grains.
Other interesting illustrations include this depiction of Baltimore in 1752.
