1652 Massachusetts Oak Tree threepence. Noe-27, Salmon 5-Aii, W-300. Rarity-5. AU-58 (PCGS).16.3 grains. A spectacularly choice example of this denomination, with complete legends on both sides and a full, bold strike. The surfaces are glossy deep gray, a perfect antique shade, and both sides are free from distractions. The centering is close to ideal on both sides. The die state is fairly late for Noe-27, with a substantial break in EW of NEW later than other examples seen, but the die state precedes the clashing and lapping that created Noe 27.5. Some characteristics suggest this piece deserves its own decimalized subvariety. The diagonal root lines below the tree are far bolder than any other Noe-27 seen, and the angle of the intersection of the flag of the 5 in the date is almost 90 degrees, very different from Noe-26, Noe-27, or Noe-27.5. Richard Picker described a state similar to this as "Noe 27.1" in his paper published in the 1976 <em>Studies on Money in Early America</em>, but the quality of the plate is not good enough to be certain the state was identical. Whatever the state, this is a superb coin, sharp and attractive, free of flaws that either predate or postdate striking, with glorious color and unsurpassable metal quality. The aesthetic appeal of this piece is preferable to many that ostensibly deserve a higher grade.PCGS Population (No IN on Obverse varieties only): 1; only 1 finer in MS-63.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stacks, privately, February 1978.
