Pine Tree 6-Pence 1652 Replica
Massachusetts Bay Colony minted their first coin in 1652: the New England Shilling. This coin was short-lived however, as the simple design invited counterfeiting and clipping of the edges. In October of 1652, the General Court directed that all coins have a double ring on either side with the inscription "IN · MASATHUSETS". Thus "Tree Money" was born.
Because Mass. Bay Colony was not authorized to coin money, they minted for 30 years with the same date of 1652, which was an illusion to give the coins the appearance of having been struck during the confusion in England at that time.
The Pine Tree 6-Pence features a pine tree in the middle of a beaded circle, with IN · MASATHUSETS and a second beaded circle around the edge. The reverse has 1652 VI in the center with NEW ENGLAND · ANO and a second beaded circle around the edge.
This replica coin is cast in lead-free pewter and then plated to match the original coin's appearance. Each coin comes packed with a header and a story on the back in a vinyl holder for easy display.
- Coin measures 2 cm
- Made in New England
