A remarkable artifact from history will soon be available for bidding later this year. The exceptionally rare “New England Threepence,” a colonial coin minted in 1652, is anticipated to sell for as much as $1 million at auction. Unearthed in 2016 and properly identified in 2020, this coin has an intriguing history linked to the formative period of American currency.
In this article, we will delve into the importance of the New England Threepence, its scarcity, and the reasons behind the excitement it has sparked among collectors.
What Is the Ultra-Rare New England Threepence?
The New England Threepence stands out as one of the first coins produced in colonial America. Minted in 1652 by silversmiths John Hull and Robert Sanderson in Boston, this coin was part of the inaugural series of official American currency, alongside the New England shilling and sixpence. Its extreme rarity, combined with its historical significance, makes the threepence a highly sought-after treasure among coin collectors.
Discovery of the Coin
In 2016, a surprising discovery emerged from an antique cabinet in the Netherlands: an ultra-rare New England Threepence. At first, its historical importance was not fully understood. However, after four years of investigation, experts confirmed in 2020 that it was indeed a genuine artifact from American colonial history. The coin’s lineage can be traced back to Boston’s Quincy family, further reinforcing its ties to the early days of America.
Importance and Value
The New England Threepence ranks among the most valuable colonial coins, attributed to its rarity and historical significance. Stack’s Bowers Galleries notes that this coin is “part of the first series of American coins ever minted.”
Currently, only one other New England Threepence is known to exist, housed at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Additionally, another coin was previously held by Yale University but was stolen, further underscoring the threepence’s exceptional value and importance in American numismatic history.
When and Where Will It Be Auctioned?
This remarkably rare coin is set to be auctioned at Stack’s Bowers’ November event. Currently, it is on display at their Boston gallery located on State Street. If you wish to experience a piece of American history in person before it goes up for bid, you can visit the gallery prior to the auction.
Table: Quick Facts about the New England Threepence
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | New England Threepence |
| Date | 1652 |
| Mint Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Discovered | 2016 in the Netherlands |
| Identified | 2020 |
| Estimated Value | Up to $1 million |
| Auction Date | November 2024 |
| Display Location | Stack’s Bowers, Boston |
Conclusion
The forthcoming auction of the New England Threepence presents a rare chance for collectors and history buffs alike. As one of the earliest examples of American currency, this coin serves as a tangible connection to the colonial period.
With only one other known specimen in existence, it’s easy to see why this discovery has generated significant excitement. Whether you’re an experienced collector or simply intrigued by history, this auction is an event worth keeping an eye on.
FAQs
What makes the New England Threepence so valuable?
The coin’s value stems from its historical significance and extreme rarity, with only one other known specimen in existence.
When was the New England Threepence minted?
It was minted in 1652 by silversmiths John Hull and Robert Sanderson in Boston.
How was the coin discovered?
The coin was discovered in an antique cabinet in the Netherlands in 2016 and was later confirmed as authentic in 2020.
Where can I see the coin before the auction?
The coin is currently on display at Stack’s Bowers’ gallery in Boston, located on State Street.
