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NE Shilling 2004-8,2
"NE" Shilling
NE Shilling 2004-8,2

"NE" Shilling

Dateca.1652
Struck by Hull & Sanderson
MediumSilver
DimensionsDiameter: 26 mm Weight: 71.6 grains
Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family
Object number2004-8,2
DescriptionObverse: Conjoined "NE" within a quadrangular cartouche with an arching top.

Reverse: "XII" within a quadrangular cartouche.
Label TextWith the English Civil Wars came the execution of King Charles I and the Commonwealth era, fostering a feeling of some confusion and abandonment in the American colonies. Regardless of the lack of a government patent, Massachusetts Bay took advantage of the situation in attempt to solve its small change problem by striking its own coins. Up until that point, the colony relied on the use of some coin, wampum, and barter to conduct their daily transactions. Many of these coins were old, worn, lightweight pieces, while others were simply counterfeits.

The General Court of Massachusetts Bay authorized silversmiths John Hull and Robert Sanderson to strike shilling, sixpence, and threepence coins at Hull's facility in Boston. The first coinage struck in England's American colonies had a very short production, only being struck only between July and October 1652.

On the obverse appeared a conjoined "NE" for New England while the reverse bore the denomination in Roman numerals. The shilling was distinguished by "XII," denoting a value of twelve pence.

Noe -1A, Breen-8


InscribedObverse: Conjoined "NE" (for New England).

Reverse: "XII" (the denomination, denoting a value of twelve pence).
ProvenanceB. Max Mehl, 2-10-44