1652 Massachusetts Oak Tree sixpence. Noe-16, Salmon 1-A, W-360. Rarity-5. EF-45 (PCGS).32.3 grains. One of the prettiest examples of this variety around, with pastel blue toning on both sides, a solid strike, and a nice bold tree. This variety rarely, if ever, shows full peripheral legends, a problem symptomatic of both failing dies and poor axial alignment. MA of MASATHVSETS hangs on the edge of the planchet here, while the adjacent letters SA are not struck up. The remainder of the obverse legend is complete, and the entire tree is well defined. The reverse is better struck, as always, lacking only GL of ENGLAND at the right side. The centering is good, not quite ideal but better than often seen. The die state is early, showing the crack above the tree at HV in earlier state than either of the Ford coins or the high grade Partrick coin. The die state is even earlier than Kendall:2339, itself earlier than most specimens seen. The surfaces are frosty and somewhat lustrous, with excellent color and eye appeal. Few distractions are seen, primary among them a faint scratch in the soft area of the upper left obverse. This pieces strike and complete planchet recommend it highly; its preservation and choice aesthetics further the compliment. Breens cataloging of this coin in the 1976 Pine Tree John Carter Brown sale noted that it was "one of the very rare examples, unknown until the late 1950s, with strong roots."PCGS Population (IN on Reverse variety only): 2; none finer.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Pine Trees sale of the John Carter Brown Library Collection, May 1976, lot 625.
