"1652" Sixpence Oak Tree Imitation - Noe-19

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,600 XF Details 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

An imitation of the Massachusetts Oak Tree Sixpence cataloged as Noe-19 in the standard reference. This piece is documented within Sydney P. Noe's comprehensive catalog of Massachusetts silver coinage, which systematically records all known dies including acknowledged imitations and copies to provide a complete picture of the types available to collectors. The original Oak Tree Sixpence was struck at the Hull Mint during the oak tree period (circa 1660-1667) of Massachusetts colonial coinage. The sixpence featured the oak tree obverse and "VI" reverse within the characteristic double-ring border. Noe-19 reproduces these basic design elements but with die characteristics that mark it as an imitation rather than a product of the Hull Mint. The Noe-19 imitation may date from any period between the 17th century and the 19th century. Some colonial coin imitations were produced contemporaneously or shortly after the originals, potentially as forgeries for circulation. Others were created much later for the collector market. Without definitive metallurgical or provenance evidence, the dating of Noe-19 remains undocumented. Imitations cataloged in the Noe reference occupy an important place in colonial numismatics. They provide comparison material for authentication purposes and represent interesting numismatic artifacts in their own right. Collectors of the complete Noe reference seek examples of all cataloged dies, including the imitation numbers.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Noe-19 imitations are infrequently encountered and are sought by advanced collectors assembling comprehensive Oak Tree sixpence type sets.

Cross References

Noe-19 (imitation); Noe: The Oak Tree Coinage of Massachusetts; Original: Oak Tree Sixpence 1652 (circa 1660-1667)