A rare 1652 New England threepence coin, unearthed inside an antique cabinet in Amsterdam, has captured the attention of history and coin enthusiasts alike. The coin was sold for an extraordinary $2.52 million at Stack’s Bowers Galleries in California on November 19, 2024. This sale shattered the previous record for any pre-Revolutionary American coin, which stood at $646,250.
A coin hidden for centuries
The story of this historic artifact began in 2016 when it was discovered in a cabinet that had been sitting undisturbed in Amsterdam for years. Initially, it went unnoticed until the owner decided to investigate further. Research revealed that the coin, struck in Boston in 1652, was one of the earliest pieces of currency minted in what would eventually become the United States.
Historical connection to US founding families
Weighing just 1.1 grams, the coin bore a modest silver value of $1.03 at current market rates. However, its historical ties elevated its worth immensely. It is believed that the coin was once owned by the Quincy family of Boston, a prominent political dynasty linked to Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States. Abigail Adams’s family history, combined with her husband’s role as the first US ambassador to the Netherlands, adds another layer of intrigue to this artifact’s journey across the Atlantic.
“This is one of the most important coins in all of American numismatics,” remarked Stephanie Sabin, President of the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The coin is one of only two known examples, with the other housed in the Massachusetts Historical Society for over a century.
The auction
The auction, held at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, was an intense 12-minute affair. Bidders vied for the coin, with its price soaring to over three times its estimated value. Ben Orooji, the auctioneer, called the event “a career highlight” and described the bidding as “an exhilarating ride.”
The coin’s simple design, featuring “NE” for New England on one side and the Roman numeral III to denote its denomination, reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the early Boston Mint. This mint was among the first in North America, established just months before the coin was struck.
Breaking records and redefining value
The threepence set a new benchmark as the most expensive non-gold US coin minted before the creation of the United States Mint. Its sale also highlights the enduring fascination with colonial artifacts and their role in telling the story of America’s early history.
John Kraljevich, Director of Numismatic Americana at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, expressed his amazement at the coin’s final price. “I was very pleasantly shocked,” he said, reflecting the surprise shared by many at the auction.
While the coin itself is small and unassuming, its story embodies the spirit of America’s colonial beginnings. From its minting in Boston to its discovery in Europe, the artifact represents a tangible connection to the early settlers and their quest to establish a new society.
The fascination with items like the 1652 New England threepence transcends their monetary value, drawing collectors, historians, and enthusiasts eager to own a fragment of the past. The auction at Stack’s Bowers Galleries ensures that this extraordinary artifact has secured its place in the annals of American history.
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