Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling

About Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling

Minted secretly in Boston by John Hull under authorization of the Massachusetts General Court. Featured a pine tree on one side and NE for New England on early versions. The pine tree represented the timber industry of New England. Over 100,000 pine tree shillings were minted. The coins were produced from hand engraved dies, creating many varieties. The mint was closed when James II revoked the Massachusetts charter in 1684. John Hull became wealthy as mintmaster, charging a seigniorage fee.