A rare silver coin from the 17th century, the 1652 New England Threepence Coin , has set a new world record after selling for a staggering $2.52 million at an auction conducted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
The sale, which took place on November 18, 2024, shattered previous records for an American coin struck before the American Revolution by nearly $2 million. The coin’s sale marks a significant milestone in numismatic history, highlighting its rarity and historical importance.
The Record-Breaking 1652 New England Threepence
The 1652 New England Threepence is a small silver coin, measuring just about the size of a nickel, and struck in Boston. Despite its modest size, the coin carries immense historical value.
The coin was minted during the early days of the Boston Mint, just weeks after the establishment of the United States’ first mint. With only one known specimen outside of museum collections, its discovery has been nothing short of extraordinary.
This coin features a tiny “NE” for “New England,” and its denomination “III” (for threepence). Weighing only 1.1 grams, its silver value, at current market prices, is just $1.03. However, its historical significance and extreme rarity drove its auction price to unprecedented heights.
Historical Significance of the Coin
The 1652 New England Threepence coin was struck in the early days of American coinage history, a time when the U.S. Mint had yet to be established. It is one of the first coins produced by the Boston Mint, which was the precursor to the U.S. Mint.
The New England Mint produced several denominations between 1652 and 1682, including the famous Pine Tree Shillings. These coins are rare, and the threepence from 1652 is considered the most elusive of them all.
The coin was discovered in an old cabinet in Amsterdam around 2016, but its identity remained uncertain for several years.
After further research, it was confirmed as a 1652 New England Threepence, believed to have come from the Quincy Family of Boston, a political dynasty with connections to Abigail Adams and her husband, John Adams.
Coin Specifications and Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Threepence |
| Year of Issue | 1652 |
| Mint Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Weight | 1.1 grams |
| Diameter | Approx. size of a nickel |
| Silver Content | 1.03 USD (based on current silver price) |
| Mintmark | NE (New England) |
| Auction Price | $2,520,000 |
| Rarity | Only one known example outside museum collections |
The Auction Details
The record-setting coin was sold during an auction hosted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a leading numismatic auction house. The sale of the coin garnered massive attention, not only because of its historical importance but also due to the high level of demand from collectors.
With just one other known example held by the Massachusetts Historical Society, this coin was a once-in-a-lifetime find. The coin surpassed its initial presale estimate by more than three times, a testament to its immense value.
Other Auction Highlights
In addition to the 1652 New England Threepence, other notable coins were also sold in the same auction. These included:
- Two New England Shillings (1652): These sold for $60,000 and $192,000.
- Libertas Americana Medal: Struck in Paris in 1783 at Benjamin Franklin’s request, this silver medal commemorating American independence fetched $144,000.
The sale of the New England Threepence marks the 58th time that Stack’s Bowers Galleries has sold a coin for over $1 million.
Conclusion
The 1652 New England Threepence is not just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Its recent auction price of $2.52 million underscores the immense value placed on rare numismatic items with significant historical connections.
The discovery of this coin has not only enriched the world of coin collecting but also highlighted the lasting legacy of early American coinage. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, this coin serves as a reminder of the country’s early beginnings and the precious items that tell its story.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1652 New England Threepence so valuable?
The 1652 New England Threepence is valuable due to its rarity, historical significance, and its status as one of the earliest coins struck in the United States. There is only one known example outside of museum collections.
2. How was the coin discovered?
The coin was discovered in an old cabinet in Amsterdam around 2016 and was identified after a thorough research process.
3. Who created the design for the coin?
The coin’s design was created by the United States Mint Chief Engraver George T. Morgan, who also designed the famous Morgan Silver Dollar.
4. Where was the coin minted?
The coin was struck in Boston, Massachusetts, at one of the earliest mints that would eventually lead to the creation of the U.S. Mint.
5. How much did the coin sell for at auction?
The coin sold for $2.52 million, setting a world record for an American coin struck before the founding of the United States Mint.
