From the CBC: 17th-century coin found in Newfoundland.
FERRYLAND, NFLD. - An archeologist in Newfoundland has unearthed what's believed to be the oldest coin struck for use in what is now Canada.
Aaron Miller was brushing away centuries-old dirt in the former Colony of Avalon when he saw something shiny.
It turned out to be a small coin made of lead, which Miller's team says probably dates back to the 1640s."It's a pretty big deal," he said. "We washed it off and right away you could see the initials D.K. on it."
It's thought those initials belong to David Kirke, Newfoundland's governor at the time, according to chief archeologist Jim Tuck. Kirke ran a tavern and had a licence from the king to make his own money. [continue]
Related:
Colony of Avalon - Newfoundland Heritage
Canadian Currency Museum
David Kirke - Wikipedia
Avalon Peninsula - Wikipedia