John Coney (engraver)

John Coney (1655-1722) was a prominent American silversmith, engraver, and merchant active in Boston, Massachusetts during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is considered one of the most important and influential silversmiths of the early American colonial period.

Coney was born in Boston. He apprenticed under Jeremiah Dummer, another significant figure in early American silversmithing. Following his apprenticeship, Coney established his own shop and quickly gained a reputation for high-quality silverwork. His pieces were known for their craftsmanship and elegant designs, often incorporating baroque and classical motifs. He produced a wide range of silver items, including tankards, porringers, teapots, and church silver.

Beyond his silversmithing, Coney was also a skilled engraver. He is particularly noted for engraving the plates for the first paper currency issued in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1690, a significant development in colonial finance. He also engraved portraits and other illustrations.

Coney's activities extended beyond craftsmanship. He was a successful merchant and invested in real estate. He was also involved in civic life, serving in various public offices. His success allowed him to become a wealthy and respected member of Boston society.

John Coney's work is highly prized by collectors and is represented in numerous museum collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Yale University Art Gallery. His legacy as a master silversmith and engraver is firmly established, and he remains a significant figure in the history of American art and craftsmanship.