One Pence, Massachusetts

DateJune, 1722

MediumParchment & ink

Dimensions1 3/4" x 1 3/4"

Credit LineGift of the Lasser family

Object number1994-210,429

Description"1d. One Penny. Massachusetts, June 1722." Circular small change bill, printed on parchment from set type, pursuant to the May 30, 1722 Act.

These small change bills are believed to have been issued to prevent the acceptance of William Wood's "Rosa Americana" coinage series into circulation in New England. It was also intended to prevent the "halving" and "quartering" of previous issues of Massachusetts paper money. The use of different shapes for each of the three denominations (one, two and three pence) issued simplified the identification of denomination on worn notes.
MarkingsSignatures: Unsigned. No Serial Number.

Exhibition(s)

Pounds, Pence & Pistareens: Coins & Currency of Colonial America