AMENDED DESCRIPTION - A US Colonial issue 1652 XII Massachusetts pine/oak tree shilling, holed.

Please note it has come to attention that this may be an oak tree shilling not pine tree as initially catalogued, we ask perspective buyers to make their own assumptions.


The colony of Massachusetts was an early success but a shortage of coinage put it in jeopardy. John Hull and Robert Sanderson took matters into their own hands and set up a mint in 1652, striking coins in shillings, sixpences and three pence's all bearing the date 1652. Some believe the date to be the founding of the colony and the reverse of the coin depicting the pine tree as the main export was for timber and ships masts. Coinage was a prerogative of the king but in 1652 there was no king as King Charles had been beheaded three years earlier. The coinage circulated and was widely accepted around the North East, however in 1682 the mint closed after Royal scrutiny of the operation.

Condition report
Please note it has come to attention that this may be an oak tree shilling not pine tree as initially catalogued, we ask perspective buyers to make their own assumptions. Holes as stated above the 6 to the outer flange, Good visible date and wear patches to the edge and to the reverse.

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Will Farmer
Director

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