1652 New England Unique Coin Found in Antique Cabinet Sells for $2.52 Million at Auction
**A 1652 New England Threepence Achieves $2.52 Million Auction Record**
Throughout the years, coins have functioned not only as a medium of exchange but also as glimpses into the past, conveying the narratives of the cultures and economies they once influenced. Recently, a particular coin sparked excitement in the numismatic community when a unique *New England threepence* from 1652 garnered a remarkable $2.52 million at an auction held by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, establishing a new global record.
### **A Silver Wonder from Colonial America**
This small silver coin signifies a critical moment in history. Weighing a mere 1.1 grams, it was minted in 1652 in Boston, shortly following the inception of the first mint in what would develop into the United States. It ranks among the earliest coins crafted in colonial America, during a time when English settlers were striving to forge their economic self-sufficiency in the New World.
The threepence’s design is notable for its simplicity: the obverse (front) showcases the letters “NE” denoting “New England,” while the reverse (back) exhibits three Roman numerals, indicating its value. Despite its unassuming appearance and composition—its silver worth today is only $1.03—the true significance of the coin resides in its antiquity and origin, serving as a physical connection to the fledgling colonial economy and sovereignty.
### **A Historical Transatlantic Voyage**
The threepence’s passage from 17th-century Boston to its surprising unearthing in 21st-century Amsterdam is as fascinating as the coin itself. Discovered in 2016 within an old cabinet in the Netherlands, it is believed to have journeyed across the Atlantic alongside the Quincy family of Boston. Abigail Adams, spouse of President John Adams and a member of the notable Quincy family, created the link between Boston and the Netherlands during her husband’s tenure as U.S. ambassador in the 1770s and 1780s.
Further enhancing its rarity, the only other known instance of this coin has resided in the Massachusetts Historical Society for over 120 years. This uniqueness has turned the newly recovered specimen into a highlight among coin enthusiasts and scholars, marking this auction as the first occasion for a private collector to acquire one.
### **An Intense Auction and a Record-Setting Final Bid**
The excitement surrounding the auction was significant, and the ensuing bidding conflict met the high expectations. Ben Orooji, the auctioneer managing the event, characterized the experience as “an exhilarating ride and a pinnacle moment in my career.” Initial estimates placed the coin’s worth at several hundred thousand dollars, but its final tally of $2.52 million surpassed expectations by more than three times.
This astonishing amount broke numerous records in the collectible coin realm. It not only overshadowed the former world record of $646,250 for an American coin minted prior to the American Revolution but also positioned itself as the most costly non-gold U.S. coin produced before the U.S. Mint was founded in 1792.
### **The Importance of This Coin**
While its financial valuation is remarkable, the cultural and historical significance of the New England threepence is what truly elevates it to treasure status. It transcends being merely a coin—it represents the ingenuity and self-sufficiency of the colonies. At a time when the colonies did not possess formal minting operations and depended on foreign currency for trade, the creation of a regional mint marked a crucial step toward autonomy. The 1652 date, notably, was preserved on New England coins for many years, functioning as both a legal workaround and a symbol of defiance, as colonial mints functioned without explicit sanction from the English crown.
For historians, collectors, and even casual fans, the threepence symbolizes the emergence of an American identity, shaped through resolve and innovation.
### **An Enduring Tribute**
More than three and a half centuries later, the New England threepence endures as a tribute to America’s pre-revolutionary transitional phase. Its journey, from colonial settlers’ possession to the auction spotlight, has captured the fascination of many, illustrating that history frequently resides in the smallest, often overlooked places—sometimes even in an old cabinet abroad.
For those who appreciate the significance of ancient artifacts, this rare coin serves as a reminder that even the tiniest items can bear the most monumental stories, keeping the imprints of history alive in silver.