Marker at Macy's to commemorate colonial mint

A picture of a pine tree shilling from the historical society's collection. The coin was stamped with the year 1652.

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

The Macy's building in Downtown Crossing has certainly made its share of profits over the years. But 350 years ago on the same exact site, they were literally making money.

The Bostonian Society today plans to unveil a historic marker at the building, which once was the site of the Hull Mint, the first mint in British North America, said Brian LeMay, executive director of the city's private nonprofit historical society.

The mint was established in 1652 by the colonial Legislature. John Hull, a silversmith, was appointed as head of the mint. It operated for about 30 years, making a number of silver coins, the best-known being the pine tree shilling, said LeMay.

LeMay noted that the mint was authorized without the colony notifying or seeking permission from the British government.

"Everybody on this side of the pond agreed some coinage was necessary," he said.

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