1652 Threepence Pine Tree

Coin Details

Description

The Pine Tree threepence is the smallest standard denomination in the Pine Tree silver series, struck circa 1667 to 1682 at the Hull Mint in Boston. This diminutive coin completed the fractional currency suite that allowed the Massachusetts Bay Colony to conduct commerce at all levels, from the shilling down to the threepence — the functional equivalent of modern small change in an economy where a threepence could purchase everyday necessities. The obverse features a miniature pine tree encircled by MASATHVSETS IN, compressed to fit the small planchet of approximately 17 millimeters. The reverse displays III (three pence) within a beaded circle and NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652. At this small size, the legends are necessarily abbreviated or crowded, and many surviving examples show incomplete inscriptions due to the combined effects of limited die coverage and centuries of wear. The target weight was 18 grains (1.17 grams) of sterling silver, making the Pine Tree threepence a tiny and delicate coin. Its small size contributed to high loss rates during circulation, and the threepence survives in considerably smaller numbers than the shilling across all three tree types. Nevertheless, Pine Tree threepences are somewhat more available than their Willow and Oak Tree counterparts, owing to the longer production period of the Pine Tree series. Multiple die varieties are recorded in the Noe-Salmon catalog, including distinctions based on pellet presence and legend arrangement. The Pine Tree threepence represents the most refined iteration of the smallest Massachusetts colonial denomination, benefiting from the improved die-making techniques developed over the preceding two decades of coinage at the Hull Mint.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Considerably scarcer than Pine Tree shillings. The small size contributed to high loss rates and low survival.

Cross References

Noe 1-4; Salmon; Whitman 515-530; Crosby