Because the English government would not allow its colonies the right to mint coins, New Englanders took matters into their own hands and the Massachusetts Bay Colony illegally began minting operations. In 1652, a coin was struck one side of which bore the image of a tree. Often a pine, but sometimes an oak or willow. These coins have become known as pine tree shillings. The cookies of that name are the size of a shilling. Was it defiance or a sense of humor that made colonists decorate the cookie by pressing the coin into the dough? This recipe is posted at the request of a zaar member and comes from Better Homes and Gardens Hertiage Cook Book (1975). (The prep time does not include chilling the dough for several hours.)