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Willow tree sixpence

Date1652 (struck 1652-1660)

Struck by Hull & Sanderson

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter: 21 mm Weight: 34.5 grains

Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family

Object number2004-8,4

Label TextBecause the "NE" coins were intended to be an officially endorsed measure of good silver, it was imperative that they be full weight. Anticipating the unscrupulous and illegal practice of clipping, the General Assembly passed an act on October 19, 1652 changing the design of Massachusetts coinage to one which filled both sides so it would be obvious if a piece had been "clipped" off.

Starting a Massachusetts coin tradition lasting another 30 years, the newly designed coins bore central device of a tree on the obverse and the date of authorization and denomination on the reverse. Taken as a whole, the legends on both sides of the coin mean; MASATHVSETTS IN NEW ENGLAND AN(no) DOM(ini).

The "Willow Tree" coins were struck by hand-held hammer and anvil dies, which produced extremely crude coins. Today, all denominations of Willow tree coins are extremely rare, and this example is a splendid example.

Noe Pl. VII, No. 4, Breen-13

ProvenanceRoper (Stack's, 12-8-83, lot 11)

Exhibition(s)