1652 Shilling Oak Tree - "In" at Left

Coin Details

Description

A die variety of the Oak Tree shilling identified by the positioning of "IN" at the left side of the obverse legend. The inscription MASATHVSETS IN wraps around the oak tree motif, and on this particular die the final word "IN" falls near the nine o'clock position. Because each Oak Tree die was individually prepared using a combination of hand-engraved elements and letter punches, the exact placement of legend text varies from one die to the next. The obverse presents the familiar broad oak tree with spreading branches, while the reverse carries the standard XII denomination within a beaded circle and the outer legend NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652. Sterling silver planchets were cut from hammered sheet and struck between iron dies using a rocker press or simple hammer mechanism. The resulting coins show the typical characteristics of hand-produced colonial money: slightly irregular edges, variable centering, and uneven metal flow. Attribution of Oak Tree shilling varieties relies on careful comparison of tree form, legend spacing, letter styles, and the overall arrangement of design elements. The "In at Left" placement helps identify this specific obverse die, which was paired with one or more reverse dies during its working life. Die combinations are tracked in the Noe-Salmon catalog system, which remains the authoritative reference for Massachusetts colonial silver variety identification. Collectors value positional legend varieties because they illuminate the working practices of the Hull Mint, where a small team of craftsmen produced all of the colony's silver coinage over a period spanning roughly three decades. Each die variety represents a distinct episode in that production history.

Rarity Notes

Rare die variety. Limited surviving population within the broader Oak Tree shilling series.

Cross References

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