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This ends the tale of the 'Turvin Gang' and the 'Cragg Coiners'. Yet this gang were far from being the first or only coiners around this area.
Even as early as 1500 AD there is evidence of 'Coyning' around Halifax and Sowerby. Such was the extent of the problem that in the 1660's, in King Charles 1 reign, coinage began being minted in horse powered mills, so that raised edges and a Latin inscription around the rim could be added. ('Milling' now defines the fine grooved edges of our coins, and not the process by which it arose).
Yet in 1688 the Reverend Robinson of Holmfirth was found to be 'Coyning' at his house Bank End outside the town. He was duly tried and hanged at York.
Oddly enough his son, caught out red-handed with him, was let off: and even more bizarre is that he was then given work at the Royal Mint!
Coining would reduce the total gold content by half, so you can see why pocket scales enjoyed such a brisk trade around this area. Even today a wise man will check his change - well, who wouldn’t?
(It should be noted that Portuguese Moidores, Spanish Pistoles, and French Louis d'Or are not legal currency any longer - except perhaps around Cragg Vale it has been said.
Continued >>
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