Sommer Is Shilling W-15485 White Metal Mule Kenney-2 Dickeson Copy

Coin Details

Description

A white metal (WM) mule of the Sommer Islands Shilling series cataloged as W-15485 and Kenney-2, from the Dickeson copy program. White metal was one of the softer compositions used for these colonial reproductions, and when combined with a mule die pairing, this piece represents a doubly unusual variant. The Kenney-2 designation identifies the second cataloged mule variety in the Kenney classification system for Sommer Islands Dickeson copy mules. The mule pairing uses Sommer Islands dies in a combination that differs from the standard obverse-reverse alignment of the regular copies. White metal captures die details well but is vulnerable to surface oxidation and physical damage over time. Dickeson's copy dies for the Sommer Islands series were apparently numerous enough to generate multiple mule combinations, each now cataloged independently. These mules were produced for the sophisticated Philadelphia numismatic community that valued variety and unusual combinations. The soft white metal composition allowed striking at lower pressures, which made mule production more convenient. White metal Dickeson mules are among the more fragile items in the Sommer Islands copy series. Surviving examples in good condition are particularly scarce due to the alloy's susceptibility to deterioration. The dual W-15485/Kenney-2 cataloging ensures precise identification for collectors and scholars.

Rarity Notes

Rare. White metal mules are fragile and well-preserved examples are particularly scarce.

Cross References

W-15485; Kenney-2; Dickeson Copy Mule series; Original: Sommer Islands Shilling, circa 1616