(1652) New England Threepence

Coin Details

Description

The rarest of the New England silver coins, bearing "NE" (New England) on the obverse and "III" (three pence) on the reverse. Authorized by the Massachusetts Bay Colony on May 27, 1652, these were among the first silver coins struck in the English colonies. Dies cut by Joseph Jenks and struck under mintmasters John Hull and Robert Sanderson. Only two examples are known to survive. Sterling silver (.925), target weight 18 grains (1.17g).