Learn About the Three Massachusetts Unofficial Coppers
There are three unofficial copper coins that are associated with the State of Massachusetts. There is a Pine Tree Copper Cent, a Native American with a bow, and a three-headed Janus copper. No one knows the exact origin of these pieces and whether these coins were struck as patterns, for review, comment and later striking. We will examine each of these three rare coins.
The Massachusetts Pine Tree penny was very likely designed and engraved by Boston Silversmith and patriot, Paul Revere. He is given credit for the Pine Tree as well as the “Janus Head” half penny due to stylistic similarities and comparison of the lettering of Massachusetts Colonial note that he engraved and the Janus Head coin was found among Revere’s papers and along with printer’s proofs of several Massachusetts bank notes that he designed.
Revere’s timeless design for the Pine Tree penny borrowed some symbols from the contemporary Boston place and era as well as Roman influences. The Pine Tree symbolism refers to the 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree Shillings of the era as well as to the flag of the local Sons of Liberty of 1776. Around the periphery is “MASSACHUSETTS STATE.”
On the reverse, the goddess of Liberty, likely adapted from Britannia of English coinage, holds a Phrygian Cap, a symbol since Roman times of freedom from slavery. The small animal at Liberty’s feet is a watchdog – a symbol of vigilance. Around the periphery is “LIBERTY AND VIRTUE” and underneath the goddess of Liberty, in exergue, is the date “1776.”
This unique coin was discovered during excavations in Boston’s historic North End, quite near where the Paul Revere homestead is located. It was presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society in 1870 by William Sumner Appleton. The coin is unique!
This second coin is believed to be from the same source – Paul Revere. The obverse depicts a Native American holding a bow in his right hand and holding the nocked arrow in his left. Around the periphery is “PROVINCE OF MASSA.”
The reverse appears to have the goddess of Liberty, modeled after Britannia, seated on a globe, holding a royal scepter in her left hand. The legend around the periphery appears to be “DEFENSOR LIBERTATIS” (Defender of Liberty). Likewise, this coin is also unique and resides in the American Numismatic Society collection.
The “Janus Copper” is definitely from the hands of Paul Revere. Unusual in its design, it bears 3 heads, facing left, front and right. Around the periphery is the description “STATE OF MASSA. 1/2D.”
The reverse has the similar goddess of Liberty, facing right, seated on a globe. Around the periphery is “GODDESS LIBERTY 1776.”
These three unique coins represent a time when Massachusetts was just beginning to strike coins and these were fine examples of a craftsman’s artistry. That they have survived the centuries is a testament to mankind’s love of our history and coinage.
| Date | Type | Mintage | Value |
| 1776 | Pine Tree Copper | 1 Known | Priceless |
| 1776 | Native American Copper | 1 Known | Priceless |
| 1776 | Janus Copper | 1 Known | Priceless |
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