"1652" Shilling Oak Tree - Copper Wyatt Copy Noe-2

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,820 MS65BN 03-29-2017 Stack's Bowers

Description

A copper copy of the Massachusetts Oak Tree Shilling made by James W. Wyatt of London, designated Noe-2 in the standard reference. The oak tree design preceded the more famous pine tree on Massachusetts colonial silver and represents an important chapter in early American monetary history. The original Oak Tree Shilling was struck at the Hull Mint from approximately 1660 to 1667, bearing the conventional date 1652. The obverse features an oak tree rather than the later pine tree, with the legend MASATHVSETS IN, and the reverse shows "XII" within a double ring with NEW ENGLAND AN DOM. The oak tree design is generally considered cruder than the later pine tree but possesses a bold, primitive charm that appeals to many collectors. Wyatt's copper Noe-2 copy reproduces the Oak Tree Shilling design in base metal, clearly distinguishing it from the silver originals. The copper composition was chosen either for economy or to create a piece that could not be confused with a genuine coin. The Noe-2 designation identifies the specific die variety or copy type within the systematic Noe catalog. Copper Wyatt copies of the Oak Tree Shilling are collected as documented numismatic reproductions. They provide accessible examples of one of America's earliest coin designs and are valued by collectors interested in both colonial originals and the history of numismatic copying and reproduction.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Copper copies are more common than silver versions but remain collectible as cataloged imitations.

Cross References

Noe-2 (Wyatt copy); Noe reference: Massachusetts Silver Coinage; Original: Oak Tree Shilling 1652 (circa 1660-1667)