1783 John Chalmers Shilling. W-1785. Birds, Short Worm. VF-30 (PCGS).，This wholly original example exhibits splashes of charcoal-russet toning to a base of warmer sandy-silver patina. The strike is well centered on both sides with all devices sharp and clear, although the left obverse border lacks denticulation. Surface texture is a bit granular overall, and a few minor flan flaws and ancient pin scratches in the center of the obverse are also noted for accuracy. The so-called "worm" has a prominent head and is probably a snake. The details of early coins are fascinating to study and often have mysteries. All in all, however, this is a pleasing example in hand, and one that would do nicely in a circulated type set of early American coinage.<p>Coins of this type are attributed to John Chalmers, a goldsmith and silversmith in Annapolis, Maryland. Chalmers issued these coins to prevent some of the abusive practices associated with fractional parts of the Spanish dollar, those being the most widely used coins in the early United States. While it was customary at the time to cut Spanish dollars into halves, quarters and eighths, unscrupulous persons would attempt to make a profit by cutting five "quarters" or nine or ten "eighths" out of one coin. Chalmers solution to this problem was to redeem various fractional parts in exchange for his own coins, charging a commission for this service. Examples were produced in threepence, sixpence and shilling denominations, the dies engraved by Thomas Sparrow, if not by Chalmers himself, and the coins struck at a building at the corner of Fleet and Cornhill streets in Annapolis. Given that several hundred Chalmers pieces are known today, and that most display significant wear from extensive commercial use, the issue appears to have been well received by the contemporary public and widely used in commerce.<p>In an absolute sense, of course, all Chalmers coins are rare irrespective of denomination or variety. Those most often seen are shillings of the bird type, the short worm variant a bit more plentiful than its long worn counterpart.，PCGS# 596. NGC ID: 2AUU.，，
