"1652" Shilling Oak Tree Imitation - Noe-5

Coin Details

Description

An imitation of the Massachusetts Oak Tree Shilling cataloged as Noe-5 in the standard reference for Massachusetts colonial silver coinage. Unlike copies made by identified makers like Wyatt, Noe-5 is an imitation whose specific maker remains undocumented. Sydney P. Noe included it in his systematic catalog to document all known dies associated with the Massachusetts silver series, including acknowledged imitations. The original Oak Tree Shilling was produced at the Hull Mint in Boston during the oak tree design period (approximately 1660-1667), bearing the conventional 1652 date. Noe-5 reproduces the general design — oak tree obverse with MASATHVSETS IN legend, "XII" reverse within double ring — but with die characteristics that distinguish it from genuine Hull Mint products. The differences between Noe-5 and genuine Oak Tree Shillings include variations in letter forms, tree style, border details, and overall fabric. These distinctions allow experienced numismatists to identify the imitation with confidence, though less experienced collectors might be deceived. Noe's decision to catalog this piece alongside genuine die varieties reflects the numismatic community's commitment to comprehensive documentation. Noe-5 imitations are collectible in their own right as documented items within the Noe reference system. They serve as educational tools for authenticating genuine Oak Tree Shillings and as interesting numismatic artifacts of undocumented but 18th or 19th-century origin.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The Noe-5 imitation is uncommon and is sought by advanced colonial specialists who collect the complete Noe reference including imitation dies.

Cross References

Noe-5 (imitation); Noe: The Oak Tree Coinage of Massachusetts; Original: Oak Tree Shilling 1652 (circa 1660-1667)