Sommer Islands Hogge Money Tribute – 2 oz Silver Round
A hog and a sailing ship tell an unexpected story of Atlantic settlement. This Intaglio Mint tribute draws on Bermuda’s early twelve-pence “Hogge Money,” recreating its distinctive imagery in 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver. The 39mm format gives the animal, rigging, and beaded borders a fresh level of detail.
A Shipwreck and an Island Coinage
In 1609, the Sea Venture was carrying colonists toward Jamestown when a hurricane drove it onto reefs off Bermuda. Sir George Somers was among those aboard, and the islands became known for a time as the Somers Islands. The National Museum of Bermuda preserves archaeological records and artifacts from the wreck.
The islands’ unusual coinage followed in 1616. Governor Daniel Tucker arrived with coins supplied for local use, including the payment of wages. Their hog design recalled the wild animals found on the islands, giving rise to the name “Hogge Money.” The historic pieces were base-metal coins with a silver wash, quite different from the fine-silver composition of this modern tribute.
Obverse Design
A left-facing hog stands within a beaded circle. “XII” above the animal represents twelve pence, or one shilling, while “SOMMER ISLANDS” surrounds the scene. A second beaded border completes the design and preserves the character of the early coinage.
Reverse Design
A sailing ship fills the reverse, its masts, flags, and rigging recalling Bermuda’s maritime beginnings. The beaded border echoes the obverse. The modern inscription “TWO TROY OUNCES .999 FINE SILVER” identifies the tribute’s weight and purity; it is a collectible silver round inspired by historic money.
Specifications
- Weight: 2 troy ounces
- Metal: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: Approximately 6mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
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