1652 Shilling Oak Tree - "In" at Bottom

Coin Details

Description

A recognized die variety of the Oak Tree shilling distinguished by the placement of the word "IN" at the bottom of the obverse legend rather than in its more typical position. The full obverse inscription reads MASATHVSETS IN, and on this variety the "IN" appears near the six o'clock position beneath the tree. This placement differs from other die varieties where "IN" falls at various points around the periphery depending on the spacing chosen by the die sinker. The obverse retains the standard Oak Tree motif with its broad, spreading branches and detailed foliage, while the reverse displays the denomination XII within a beaded inner circle, surrounded by NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652. The die engraver's decision to position "IN" at the bottom was influenced by the space available after laying out the larger letters of MASATHVSETS, or it reflects one worker's preferred arrangement. Die variety attribution in the Massachusetts colonial series is critically important for collectors and scholars because each die pair was individually created, making every combination a discrete product of the Hull Mint's operations. The Noe catalog, later revised by Salmon, provides the standard reference for identifying and classifying these varieties based on differences in tree design, legend arrangement, letter forms, and other diagnostic features. This variety is scarce even within the already rare Oak Tree shilling type. Serious collectors of Massachusetts colonial silver pursue specific Noe numbers and die states, with certain combinations commanding significant premiums based on their relative rarity and the quality of surviving impressions.

Rarity Notes

Rare die variety. Scarce even among Oak Tree shillings, with only a small number of examples attributed to this specific die pairing.

Cross References

Noe (specific number varies by die state); Salmon; Crosby