This 1776 Massachusetts Pine Tree copper penny was unearthed
during an excavation in Boston's North End in the early 19th
century. Since Massachusetts did not issue copper coins in 1776
(probably due to the scarcity of copper), this penny is the only
known original and, as such, is the most often consulted item in
the numismatics collection of the Massachusetts Historical
Society. Paul Revere has been credited as the designer and
engraver of the Massachusetts Pine Tree penny based upon
stylistic similarities with a unique "Janus Head" half penny
that was discovered with engravings and proofs of Revere's
continental currency notes, as well as by comparison of
lettering details on the coins with Revere's engraved 1775-1776
currency and securities printing plates. Additional confirmation
is in the evidence that the die for the reverse of the penny
sank during production--the result of Revere's inexperience as a
die-maker. Revere's design for the Pine Tree penny borrowed
symbols from local and classical sources.