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Ultra-Rare Pre-Revolution 1652 Massachusetts Silver Threepence Coin Shatters World Records with $2.5 Million Sale
BY ALBERT CHEN
In an unprecedented moment for numismatic history, a rare 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence, about the size of a modern nickel, sold for an astonishing $2.52 million in an auction conducted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. This sale marked a new world record for any coin struck in the American colonies before the American Revolution, surpassing the previous high of $646,250 by nearly $2 million. Additionally, this threepence set a new benchmark for any non-gold coin produced prior to the founding of the U.S. Mint.
An Artifact of Early American Minting
Weighing a mere 1.1 grams and valued at only $1.03 for its silver content based on current market rates, the coin’s worth lies far beyond its material. Struck at the Boston Mint within weeks of its establishment, this coin epitomizes the earliest efforts at producing standardized currency in what would become the United States.
Minting began in 1652, a date deliberately maintained on all coins produced until 1682 to circumvent English regulations prohibiting colonial mints. These early coins, which also included sixpences and shillings, are rare, with the 1652 threepence being the rarest among them.
What distinguishes the 1652 threepence is its stark simplicity. It features only the letters “NE,” standing for New England, and the Roman numeral “III” indicating its denomination. This straightforward design differs significantly from the more intricate Pine Tree shillings minted during the latter years of the Boston Mint’s operation.
The Coin’s Remarkable Journey
The journey of this particular threepence to the auction block is as intriguing as its historic significance. Discovered in an old cabinet in Amsterdam around 2016, the coin initially confounded its owner. It wasn’t until they embarked on thorough research that its importance became clear. Historical links suggest the piece may have originated from the Quincy family of Boston, notable for their political influence and connections to Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. The Adams family connection is particularly compelling, given John Adams’ diplomatic presence in the Netherlands during the late 18th century.
This auction marked the first time in over 120 years that an example of the 1652 threepence has been available to private collectors, making it a once-in-several-lifetimes acquisition. The Massachusetts Historical Society holds the only other known example, which has remained off the market since its donation in the early 1900s.
A Battle of Bids
The auction itself was a dramatic affair, with intense bidding over a 12-minute span that left even seasoned professionals astounded. John Kraljevich, Director of Numismatic Americana at Stack’s Bowers Galleries and cataloger of the coin, expressed that he was “very pleasantly shocked” by the final price, which more than tripled initial estimates. Auctioneer Ben Orooji described the event as an “exhilarating ride and a career highlight.”
In addition to the record-breaking threepence, the auction included other valuable colonial-era coins. Two examples of the New England shilling, minted in the same year, fetched $60,000 and $192,000 respectively. Additionally, a silver Libertas Americana medal, commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in 1783 to celebrate American independence, sold for $144,000.
Legacy of Stack’s Bowers Galleries
This historic sale marked the 58th occasion that Stack’s Bowers Galleries has auctioned a coin for over $1 million, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field of rare collectibles. The gallery’s previous high-profile sales include items such as the 1936 Nobel Peace Prize medal and rare American currency.
This event reinforces the enduring allure of early American coins, which serve as tangible links to the economic and political beginnings of the United States. The record-breaking sale of the 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence is not only a testament to the coin’s rarity and historic significance but also to the ongoing passion and competitive spirit of the numismatic community.
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