Massachusetts pound

Initially, sterling coin and foreign currencies circulated in Massachusetts, supplemented by pine tree shillings produced by John Hull between 1652 and 1682 and by local paper money as of 1690.

After years of high inflation, in 1749 Massachusetts withdrew its paper money from circulation and returned to specie.

Massachusetts resumed issuing paper money after the American Revolutionary War began in 1775.

The date was maintained by the Massachusetts moneyers in order to appear to be in compliance with English law that reserved the right of produce shillings to the Crown, since, in 1652, England was a Commonwealth (King Charles I having been beheaded three years previously).

[7] Witherle had told the Commonwealth that he was "ready... immediately to proceed" in May 1787, he still had not produced a single coin by January 1788.

[8] When the Governor's Council called him in to explain himself, he told them that there was difficulty getting the appropriate materials and training workers in an industry never before attempted in this area.

Then, when the U.S. Constitution was adopted in June 1788, it established a national currency and mint, making state efforts moot.