1652 Oak Tree Threepence. Noe-27, Salmon 5-Aii, W-300. Rarity-5. No IN on Obverse. AU-53 (PCGS). 14.1 grains. Very similar in strike and quality to the primary Boyd-Ford coin (the Noe and Salmon plate) from these dies, and in a similarly early state with the internal reverse cud break at the letter E in NEW not yet filled in. The obverse and reverse are both toned a rich, even steel and olive-gray. Tree crisp and sharp within fully beaded inner border, complete root structure, large shrub at right and smaller one at left clear. The peripheral legend is fully legible and completely on the flan, although it is soft at lower left and right due to die state. The reverse is similar with a full peripheral legend that comes up soft just a bit at the left border - this coin is finer than the Ford specimen in this regard. Inner border fully rings a bold date and denomination. The planchet is trivially out of round with just a touch of waviness at center. A trace of ancient surface scale around the obverse periphery is most prominent at the first letter S in MASATHVSETS, but even here magnification is required for discernment. Wispy handling marks at central reverse, left and right obverse are inconsequential for the grade and have no affect on the strong eye appeal. Simply put, this is a superb coin that belongs in any discussion of the nicest Noe-27 Oak Tree threepence in numismatic hands. It is sharp and attractive, free of flaws that either predate or postdate striking, with glorious color and excellent metal quality. The aesthetic appeal of this piece is preferable to many that ostensibly deserve a higher grade, including the Garrett-Weinberg coin in PCGS AU-55 and the Archangel specimen in PCGS AU-58. PCGS# 914812. NGC ID: 2ARF. <strong>To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click<a href="https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection/"target=’_blank’> here.</a></strong> From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from the Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
