America’s First Coinage
A Declaration of Independence from Boston –
more than a century before the Boston Tea Party!
![New England Shilling](/shop/api/assets/LCCCatalogAssetStore/images/content/featureimages/americas-first-coinage/new-england-shilling.jpg)
New England
STRUCK 1652
The original law called for "square," flat silver coins, but none were made.
"America's First Coins" were round with NE at the top and a value or numbers
on the reverse – known today as New England issues. These first shillings bore no dates.
![Willow Tree Shilling](/shop/api/assets/LCCCatalogAssetStore/images/content/featureimages/americas-first-coinage/willow-tree-shilling.jpg)
Willow Tree
STRUCK 1653 TO 1660
By October 1652, the original law was amended and the new one called for
coins with double rings, MASATHVSETS between, and a tree at center.
The majority of "America's First Coins" bear the 1652 date.
![Pine Tree Shilling](/shop/api/assets/LCCCatalogAssetStore/images/content/featureimages/americas-first-coinage/pine-tree-shilling.jpg)
Pine Tree
STRUCK 1667 TO 1682
The Pine Tree design was the last of the four 1652 designs struck by John Hull.