The Clumsy Shilling of Massachusetts

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

American numismatists are passionate about the simple coins of 1 cent of the first years of their independence. They should welcome a shilling born much longer time ago on their territory, to be sold on September 22 by Bowers and Merena in Philadelphia.

The colonization of North America begins in 1609 with the creation of the Virginia Company. Then, in 1620, activity is spreading further to the north with the arrival of the Mayflower settlers.

Life revolves, and they had to print money. The shilling issued by the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1652 is historically poignant: it reflects the efforts of the settlers to prevent counterfeit money by complexifying the figure, here a willow tree. But it is awkwardly cut and the coinage was not successful.

Understandably, this coin has become very rare. The starting bid is set at 120 K $. The condition is satisfactory, with fairly good visibility that makes this specimen particularly valuable.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This coin was sold 106 K $ including expenses. I did not have any reference for American coins from this period. Here's one!