Rosa Americana Tribute – 2 oz Silver Round
A crowned rose and a royal portrait recall an ambitious chapter in colonial coinage. Our Rosa Americana tribute brings the imagery of William Wood’s early eighteenth-century issues to a modern 2 troy ounce .999 fine silver round. The 39mm design pairs the formal likeness of George I with the distinctive flower that gave the historic series its name.
William Wood’s Colonial Coinage
English entrepreneur William Wood obtained royal authorization to produce coins for the American colonies during the reign of George I. His Rosa Americana series included halfpenny, penny and twopence denominations. The venture was intended to supply small change, but royal backing did not guarantee ready acceptance in colonial commerce.
The original series is remembered for its many varieties and its combination of royal imagery with an American name. “Rosa Americana” means “American rose,” while the motto “UTILE DULCI” brings together the ideas of usefulness and pleasure. This modern silver tribute preserves those central visual themes without presenting itself as an original colonial coin.
Obverse Design
A right-facing bust of King George I occupies the center, with long curls and a wreath rendered in fine detail. A surrounding Latin legend identifies the monarch and his titles. The portrait’s flowing hair contrasts with the orderly border and lettering, retaining the formal character of the historic design.
Reverse Design
A Tudor rose sits beneath a crown, framed by “ROSA AMERICANA” and the historic date 1723. The motto “UTILE DULCI” curves across a ribbon below. Small modern weight and purity markings identify the silver tribute. The date belongs to the design’s historical inspiration; it is not the production date of this round.
Specifications
- Weight: 2 troy ounces
- Composition: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: Approximately 6mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
A Colonial Design Revisited
The balanced rose, crown and portrait make this a distinctive addition to a collection of early American coinage tributes. Explore more designs in our silver round collection.
