The Evolution of Money in the American Colonies (1607 - 1690) Money in Colonial Times WampumShells to Pine Tree Shillings: Exploring the Evolving Forms of Currency Used by Early American Settlers
Many of these smaller pieces of copper were likely the byproducts of artisans making copper items back in England, but some may also be from the colonists producing trade ornaments. The heavy volume of copper at the fort site is a clear indication that the English came prepared to trade with the Virginia Indian population. The experience of the Roanoke colony several decades prior to Jamestown taught the English that the Indians in the region highly valued the metal. Source: https://historicjamestowne.org/collections/artifacts/copper/
Many of these smaller pieces of copper were likely the byproducts of artisans making copper items back in England, but some may also be from the colonists producing trade ornaments. The heavy volume of copper at the fort site is a clear indication that the English came prepared to trade with the Virginia Indian population. The experience of the Roanoke colony several decades prior to Jamestown taught the English that the Indians in the region highly valued the metal. Source: https://historicjamestowne.org/collections/artifacts/copper/
Is there any reason why copper? Because it’s kind of shiny?