Downtown Crossing in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Hull Mint

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 14, 2021

1. The Hull Mint Marker

Inscription.

Near this site stood the first mint in the British colonies of North America. Prior to 1652, the Massachusetts financial system was based on bartering and foreign coinage. The scarcity of coin currency was a problem for the growth of the New England economy. On May 27, 1652, the Massachusetts General Court appointed John Hull, a local silversmith, to be Boston's mint master without notifying or seeking permission from the British government. The Hull Mint produced several denominations of silver coinage, including the famous silver pine tree schilling, for over 30 years until the political and economic situation made operating the mint no longer practical.

Erected by The Bostonian Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1774.

Location. 42° 21.311′ N, 71° 3.642′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in Downtown Crossing. Marker is on Washington Street north of Temple Place, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 450 Washington Street, Boston MA 02118, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Beginning of Jordan Marsh (a few steps from this marker); Jordan Marsh (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Church in the City of Boston (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Adams House Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthplace of Ralph Waldo Emerson (about 300 feet away); Thomas Handasyd Perkins House, 1833-1854 (about 300 feet away); Elizabeth Peabody Bookstore (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.

Also see . . . Regarding John Hull. (Submitted on June 21, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts.)

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 14, 2021

2. The Hull Mint Marker

Macy's on the former Hull Mint land image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 1, 2012

3. Macy's on the former Hull Mint land

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 864 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 3. submitted on June 21, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.