Cut Oak tree shilling

Date1652 (struck ca. 1660-1667)

Struck by Hull & Sanderson

MediumSilver

DimensionsSize: 19mm x 15mm

Credit LineGift of the Lasser family

Object number2002-77,17

DescriptionObverse: Oak tree within beaded circle, outer legend within beaded border.

Reverse: Legend within beaded border, date & denomination within beaded circle at center.Label TextThe earliest Massachusetts silver coins were struck by hand-held hammer and anvil dies. At some point, Hull and Sanderson acquired either a roller or a rocker press, the former similar to the old-fashioned clothes wringers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This minting machine produced coins of higher quality and clarity and was used to strike the Oak tree series.

To make change, this coin was cut to the approximate weight of a fourpence during its working life. It may be that it was originally cut to a sixpence, and then had a further twopence reduced from it to make a fourpence later on.

Noe-6, Breen-19Inscription(s)Obv: Originally "MASATHVSETS IN."

Reverse: Originally "NEW ENGLAND AN DOM," and "1652 XII" within central border of beads.ProvenanceSold by Stack's Coin Galleries auction, February 1977, Lot 307. Purchased from Edward Roehrs, 4 May 1998.