1652 Sixpence Oak Tree - 'IN' on Obverse

Coin Details

Description

A die variety of the Oak Tree sixpence distinguished by the placement or rendering of the letters "IN" on the obverse. The legend MASATHVSETS IN encircles the oak tree, and on this variety the word "IN" appears in a notable position or with distinctive letter forms that separate it from other obverse dies used in the series. Precise attribution depends on comparison with the Noe-Salmon catalog of Massachusetts colonial die varieties. The obverse carries the standard oak tree motif with its broad canopy and branching limbs, while the reverse displays VI within a beaded circle and the dating legend NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652. The sixpence planchet is smaller than the shilling, measuring approximately 22 millimeters in diameter, which compressed the available space for the obverse legend and sometimes led to crowded or overlapping lettering. Die variety collecting in the Oak Tree series requires patience and expertise. Each die was hand-prepared, and the distinctions between varieties can be subtle — the precise curve of a branch, the spacing between letters, or the position of a specific word relative to the tree trunk. For the sixpence, the small module makes these differences even harder to detect without magnification and reference specimens for comparison. The "IN on Obverse" designation highlights a specific characteristic of the obverse die that aids in distinguishing this variety from others in the sixpence series. Because production records from the Hull Mint do not survive, the coins themselves are the primary evidence for reconstructing the sequence and volume of coinage, making each identified die variety a valuable data point in the numismatic record.

Rarity Notes

Rare die variety within the already scarce Oak Tree sixpence type.

Cross References

Noe (consult Salmon revision); Crosby