A small silver coin from 17th century Boston has set a new world record, fetching an astonishing $2.5 million at auction. The 1652 Massachusetts threepence, which is roughly the size of a modern nickel and weighs just 1.1 grams, is a rare piece of American history. Despite its small size and the fact that its silver content is valued at just $1.03 based on today’s market prices, this coin has far surpassed expectations and set several records.
Record-Breaking Auction Price for a Pre-Revolutionary Coin
The sale of this 1652 Massachusetts threepence has shattered previous records for American coins struck before the American Revolution. It outstrips the previous world record of $646,250 for an American coin minted before the country’s independence. In fact, it has become the highest price ever achieved for any non-gold United States coin minted before the founding of the United States Mint in 1792. This sale is a testament to the immense historical and numismatic value of this small coin.
The Boston Mint and the Creation of the Massachusetts Threepence Coin
This Massachusetts threepence was struck just weeks before the establishment of the first mint in what would become the United States. The Boston Mint was officially founded on May 27, 1652, to meet the needs of the thriving Massachusetts Bay Colony’s economy. At the time, England was reluctant to send valuable gold and silver coins to the colonies due to a shortage in Britain. As a result, local authorities in Boston authorized two settlers, John Hull and Robert Sanderson, to establish a mint and produce silver coins, defying the crown’s authority in the process.
A Rare Coin with a Rich History
The Massachusetts threepence coin is not only historically significant, but it is also incredibly rare. In fact, this particular threepence is the only known example available outside of a museum. The Massachusetts Historical Society has kept one of these coins in its collection for over 120 years, making it a coveted piece for collectors. This is the first time an individual collector has had the opportunity to own one of these rare coins.
Coins from the Boston Mint, including silver threepences, sixpences, and shillings, were produced between 1652 and 1682. All of these coins are scarce, and they were struck in four different designs. Among the most famous of these coins are the Pine Tree shillings, which were produced during the final decade of the Boston Mint’s operation. The NE 1652 coins, stamped with “NE” for New England, are particularly valuable, and of these, the threepence is the most elusive and sought-after.
The Discovery of the Threepence Coin
This specific 1652 Massachusetts threepence was discovered in 2016, hidden in an old cabinet in Amsterdam. It is believed to have originated from the Quincy Family of Boston, a prominent political family that includes Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States. Abigail’s great-grandfather was the stepbrother of John Hull, the man who minted these coins. Extensive testing by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) confirmed that this coin is indeed a genuine NE threepence.
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A Historic Coin with a Price to Match
The sale of this 1652 Massachusetts threepence coin for $2.5 million underscores the immense historical value of early American numismatic items. As the only known example outside of museum collections, it stands as a rare and highly sought-after piece of American history. This record-breaking auction price has cemented its place in history and continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
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