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Oak Tree Sixpence

Designed and engraved by: John Hull (American (born in England), 1624–1683)
and: Robert Sanderson, Sr. (American (born in England), 1608–1693)
British Colonial Issue
dated 1652; struck 1660–67
Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Medium/Technique Silver
Dimensions Diameter and weight: 22 mm, 2.3 gm (7/8 in., 0.08 oz.)
Credit Line Augustine Shurtleff Collection of Coins
Accession Number01.4958
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsNumismaticsCoins

Catalogue Raisonné Noe 17; Crosby 4-C; Breen 25
DescriptionThis example includes the characteristics of #17 (the "Hydra Tree") in Noe's sequence for Oak Tree coins. The obverse has no roots beneath the tree and includes colons before and after the IN of the inscription. On the reverse the second N of ENGLAND is directly beneath the VI of the denomination. Unique features also include the fact that the obverse rings are not connected dots but circles with hash marks on them and the fact that it is the only sixpence witht the reverse inscription NEW ENGLAND AN DOM. It is very rare and some speculate that it is a contemporary counterfeit and not an actual product of the Massachusetts Mint.