Money Talks: The So-Called “Pirate Coins”: From Myth to Reality

Thursday, July 21
6:00 (5:30 Reception)

Join 2022 Eric P. Newman Visiting Scholar Dr. Jérôme Jambu for a lecture on so-called “pirate coins.” In the collective imagination, pirates are inseparable from their treasure chests filled with coins. They have inspired extraordinary stories in literature and cinema, serve as the subject of research for passionate adventurers, and even influence the numismatic market. The origins of the “pirate coin” myth come from particular monetary practices attested to by contemporary testimonies and archival documents. Recent archaeological discoveries, although rare, have shed further light on historical practices of piracy. Numismatics also makes it possible to compare and modulate these different contributions and, in conjunction with other sources, offer an important resource that helps to define, beyond legend, “pirate coins” in the modern period.

This event will be held in-person and virtually. A link will be sent to all active members on the morning of the talk. To make sure you are on the list, contact Austin Goodwin Andrews at membership@numismatics.org. This lecture will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube for later viewing.