"1652" Threepence Pine Tree - Copper Wyatt Copy

Coin Details

Description

A copper copy of the Massachusetts Pine Tree Threepence produced by James W. Wyatt of London. The threepence was the smallest denomination in the original Pine Tree series, and Wyatt chose copper rather than the original silver composition for this copy, creating a clearly identifiable reproduction. The original Pine Tree Threepence was struck at the Hull Mint in Boston during the period 1667-1682, bearing the conventional 1652 date. It featured the pine tree obverse with MASATHVSETS IN legend and the value "III" on the reverse within a double ring. As the smallest coin in the series, genuine threepence specimens are scarce and command strong prices. Wyatt's copper copy reproduces the general threepence design at the smaller flan size. The copper composition would have made these copies affordable for collectors who wanted examples of every Pine Tree denomination without the expense of silver specimens. The choice of copper also prevented any confusion with genuine silver threepence pieces among knowledgeable collectors. Copper Wyatt copies of the Pine Tree Threepence are uncommon today. They represent both the smallest denomination in Wyatt's Pine Tree reproduction series and a practical approach to making colonial American numismatics accessible to British collectors of the mid-19th century. The lack of a specific Noe imitation number for this copper threepence distinguishes it from Wyatt's Noe-cataloged pieces.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Copper copies of the small threepence denomination are less frequently encountered than shilling copies.

Cross References

Wyatt Copy series; Noe reference: Massachusetts Silver Coinage; Original: Pine Tree Threepence 1652 (1667-1682)