MASSACHUSETTS COPPERS. 1776. Device. The pine tree. Legend.-AMERICAN LIBERTY Reverse.-A harp. (Size 8. See Plate VIII., Figure 9.) Device.--The American eagle, standing with extended wings as if about to leave it upon a crown. Reverse.-A large shield, surrounded by thirteen stars. (Size 7. See Plate VIII., Figure 10.) We are indebted to M. A. Stickney, Esq., previously referred to, for fac-similes of the above described coins, who ventures the opinion, that they were also designed and executed by Colonel Revere, of Boston. They are certainly novel to us, and aid much in developing the character and variety of the currency in circulation among, and the patriotic impulses that governed, the people of Massachusetts at that time. They were substantial indexes to the mother country of the determination of the colonists to set up for themselves - pine trees, eagles, &c., being no part of the insignia of royalty. 1776. PINE TREE COPPER. Device.-A pine tree in the centre of the field. Reverse.-An Indian seated on a globe, holding in his right hand an olive leaf, in By some, for want of particular history, such coins as this have been denominated medals. We think, however, in the absence of the needful currency, they were originated and prepared as a speculation the captivating legends often rendering them acceptable for preservation; and, in the matter of a copper, not much discrimination or querulousness being manifested in regard to their reception as change. This coin, a description of which appeared in the tenth number of the "Historical Magazine and Notes and Queries," over the initials J. C., in whose collection it has a place, is otherwise unknown, so far as we have been able to learn, to numismatologists; and, therefore, may be properly esteemed as both rare and valuable. It is of course made of copper, as its title indicates, and is nearly of the size of a half dollar. |