1652 Sixpence Oak Tree

Coin Details

Description

The Oak Tree sixpence is the primary half-shilling denomination in the Oak Tree series of Massachusetts Bay Colony silver, struck circa 1660 to 1667 at the Hull Mint in Boston. Smaller than the shilling but larger than the threepence, the sixpence served an important role in everyday colonial commerce where transactions at the shilling level were relatively uncommon for ordinary purchases. The obverse depicts the broad oak tree with spreading branches, surrounded by the legend MASATHVSETS IN. The reverse displays the Roman numeral VI (six pence) within a beaded inner circle, encircled by NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652. The fixed date 1652 appears on all Massachusetts colonial silver regardless of the actual year of production, honoring the date of the General Court's original coinage authorization. The sixpence was struck on planchets targeting 36 grains (2.33 grams) of sterling silver, half the weight of the shilling. Dies were prepared using the improved punch-and-hand-engraving techniques introduced during the Oak Tree period, resulting in more legible and consistent legends than the earlier Willow Tree coinage. Nevertheless, the hand-cut planchets and manual striking process ensure that each coin displays individual characteristics. Oak Tree sixpences are considerably scarcer than Oak Tree shillings, following the general pattern in colonial numismatics where smaller denominations survive in lower numbers. Several die varieties are recorded in the Noe catalog, each representing a distinct combination of obverse and reverse dies used during the approximately seven-year production period. Attribution requires careful examination of tree form, legend arrangement, and the configuration of the beaded borders.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Significantly scarcer than Oak Tree shillings. Fewer than 75 examples are estimated to survive across all die varieties.

Cross References

Noe 1-4; Salmon; Whitman 330-345; Crosby