Q.David Bowers
Another theory is quoted by Sylvester S. Crosby. It mentions the recollections of Edward Randolph, a commercial and political agent of the British crown who came to Boston in June 1676, as contained in a collection of papers pertaining to the history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony issued in Boston in 1769:
As a mark of sovereignty they coin money, stamped with the inscription MATT ACHUSETS, with a tree in the center, on the one side, and NEW ENGLAND, with the year 1652, and the value of the piece on the reverse. All the money is stamped with these figures, 1652, that year being the era of the common-wealth, wherein they erected themselves into a free state, enlarged their dominions, subjected the adjacent colonies under their obedience, and summoned the deputies to sit in the general court; which year is 'still commemorated on their coin.
The coinage apparently proceeded unhampered until 1665, when on May 8th the General Court recorded the letter sent by the King's Commissioners:
Gentlemen: We in His Majesty's name desire a book of your laws may be sent us, that we may have a perusal of your laws, such as are against this act, and such as are contrary and derogatory to the King's authority in government, mentioned in his gracious letter of June 28, 1662 may be annulled and repealed.
On May 24, 1665, the commissioners, having studied the book of laws, submitted a list of 26 items which they required to be repealed or changed. The 22nd article noted:
That page 61, title money, the law about a mint house, etc.,be repealed, for coining is a royal prerogative, for the usurp-ing of which ye act of indemnity is only a salvo.
Notwithstanding the threat, the General Court did not repeal the questioned law. Indeed, the production of the mint increased over the years, apparently without reprisal from the crown.
Despite generous mintages, Massachusetts coins were scarce in circulation, Various legislation was enacted to prevent the export of coinage.
Around the year 1660 the design of the silver coins was changed from the old Willow Tree configuration to a new so-called Oak Tree style. Coinage methods improved, and perhaps a screw-type press, or, in any event, a device which held the dies securely during striking, was instituted. Later Massachusetts silver issues show few signs of multiple strikes such as characterized the Willow Tree coinages.
The term "Oak Tree" was used from the earliest years. Crosby relates that Sir Thomas Temple, in 1662 when he was discussing the affairs of Massachusetts Bay, showed King Charles II pieces which must have been the Oak Tree coinage. When the king inquired as to the origin of the design, Temple said that it was the Royal Oak in which the king had secreted himself when Oliver Cromwell invaded the grounds of the palace!
Oak Tree coinage was effected in several different denominations, including the customary threepence, sixpence, and shilling, all with the 1652 date, In addition, a new denomination was introduced, to the twopence which bore the date 1662, thus standing alone among all Massachusetts silver coins in this regard. Did the date 1662 represent an error, or was 1662 used to observe the year in which this new denomination was authorized? Today, opinion among numismatists is divided on this point.
The latter situation seems to be a strong probability, for on May 16, 1662, the General Court ordered the mint master "to coin twopence pieces of silver, in proportion according to the just value and alloy of the monies, allowed here, to answer the occasions of the country for exchange."
The arrangements with mint master Hull and his associate, Sanderson, were renegotiated on October 4, 1667, On May 12, 1675, another contract Was arranged, extending the coining privilege to Hull and' Sanderson for a further seven years. Crosby reports that during the Massachusetts silver coinage period numerous tributes, including ship masts, 3,000 codfish, and other material items, were sent to the king to incur his majesty's pleasure and to postpone any action on the Massachusetts coinage question.
The Oak Tree coinage continued in production from its inception around 1660 until about 1667, when it was replaced with a new design displaying on the obverse a clear representation of a pine tree. Denominations of the new coinage were the threepence, sixpence, and shilling. Shillings were made in two formats, earlier styles (until about 1675) on thin, broad planchets, and later issues (1675-1682) on smaller, thicker planchets. Both styles were made in large numbers. The number of specimens existing today suggests that the small-planchet Pine Tree shillings may have been made in the largest quantities of all.
Coinage of the Pine Tree style was continued until at least 1682. Crosby cites documents indicating that in 1684 the mint was mentioned in the past tense, suggesting it closed prior to that date. The agreement with mint master Hull expired in May 1682, so this probably marked the latest date pieces were struck. Hull died on October 1, 1683.
It has been suggested by Crosby and seconded by Sydney P. Noe that the small-planchet Pine Tree issues were made to prolong the life of coinage dies.
Of the Pine Tree issues of the various denominations Noe identified 37 different die varieties. Some of these undoubtedly were contemporary imitations. In addition, a number of different forgeries of Massachusetts silver pieces and related items were produced after the Massachusetts coinage had expired. These issues, including the romantic Good Samaritan shilling, have been described by numismatists.
In summary, the Massachusetts silver coinage com-prised four different designs or formats, the NE, Willow Tree, Oak Tree, and Pine Tree styles, and extended from 1652 until about 1682. Coinage was accomplished in large quantities, and from all accounts the venture was a success. Royal opposition to the issues persisted, but no direct action was ever taken to force cessation of minting.
Today, examples of the NE coinage are rare and come on the market only occasionally. Willow Tree coins are exceedingly rare and are not often encountered, even in larger collections. Oak Tree pieces are occasionally seen. Pine Tree issues, while scarce, are considerably more plentiful than the other styles. Massachusetts silver coins, representing the first native coinage in what is now known as the United States of America, are particularly important historically.