Pierced Coin- Poplar Forest, VA
Archaeologists recovered personal effects from a slave cabin in Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Items including a pierced Spanish Real with possible teeth marks. The cabin occupied by Mima, Susan, Matilda, and Ellen between 1844–1854.
Until 1857, Spanish currency was the legal tender for colonial America. In addition to its monetary value, many enslaved African-Americans wore pierced, silver coins to ward off sickness. Narratives also document African Americans babies using coins as teething devices.
Records show that three of the women in the cabin lost children during this period. The presence of the coin may have been due to a heightened fear of losing another child to sickness. It may also explain the coin's heavy use-wear and deep impressions identified as teeth marks.
