Diagnostic Controls & Presets First English Colonial Silver
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Intentionally alloyed 22.5% lighter than English shillings (93 grains) to keep silver circulating inside the colony.
To evade British treason charges under King Charles II, Mintmaster John Hull froze the date at 1652 for 30 consecutive years of production!
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Spectacular unclipped 31mm broad planchet with intact beaded borders and satiny mint luster.
One of fewer than 40 surviving specimens known; classic weak rocker double strike across MASATHVSETS legend.
Choice About Uncirculated with rich charcoal-iridescent toning and sharp royal oak boughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1652 Pine Tree Shilling?
The Pine Tree Shilling is the most famous silver coin of colonial North America. Struck by Boston silversmiths John Hull and Robert Sanderson between 1652 and 1682, it was created to alleviate the chronic shortage of hard currency in Massachusetts.
Why are all Pine Tree Shillings dated 1652 even if struck in 1680?
Under English royal prerogative, coining money was an exclusive privilege of the monarch. Because King Charles I was executed in 1649 and the English monarchy was dissolved until 1660, the colonists dated the coins '1652' so that they could later claim they only struck coins during the interregnum when no king was on the throne!
What are the three tree types on Massachusetts silver?
The three sequential tree designs are: (1) Willow Tree (1652–1660, the crudest and rarest, ~40 known); (2) Oak Tree (1660–1667, introduced after Charles II was restored); and (3) Pine Tree (1667–1682, the most abundant and iconic design).
What is the difference between Large and Small Planchet Pine Tree Shillings?
Early Pine Tree shillings (1667–1674) had broad, thin planchets measuring 30 to 32 mm across. However, merchants and scoundrels frequently clipped the outer silver edges. To prevent clipping, John Hull reduced the diameter to 24–25 mm around 1675, making the blanks thicker to retain the 72-grain weight.
What does 'XII' on the reverse mean?
The Roman numeral 'XII' designates the coin's face value: 12 pence (one shilling). Hull and Sanderson also struck threepence (III) and sixpence (VI) coins, as well as an Oak Tree twopence (II).
Who was Thomas Wyatt and what are Wyatt forgeries?
Thomas Wyatt was a 19th-century New York coin dealer who in the 1850s manufactured convincing cast and struck counterfeits of 1652 Pine, Oak, and Willow Tree shillings. Wyatt fakes are made of debased pewter or modern silver with artificial wear and specific die markers.
How much is a genuine 1652 Pine Tree Shilling worth?
Worn or clipped Good-4 to Very Good-8 examples sell for $2,000 to $3,500. Very Fine to Extremely Fine examples command $5,000 to $12,000. High-grade About Uncirculated specimens sell for $16,000 to $28,000, while Gem Mint State examples exceed $50,000 at auction.