1652 Oak Tree Shilling. Noe-13, Salmon 10-G, W-520. Rarity-6. IN at Bottom--Cut to Sixpence Weight--EF-40, saltwater surfaces.33.2 grains. A neatly made and impressively preserved "sixpence" from the wreck of the <em>H.M.S. Feversham</em>. The flan has been cut diagonally across the obverse, leaving us with the lower portion of the tree and most of the denomination on the opposite side. The surfaces are remarkably well-composed for having spent centuries on the ocean floor, showing only a trivial granularity in areas. Dark gunmetal patina paints the obverse while the reverse is a lighter silver grey with dark encrustations in the legends. The strike was well centered on each side and the remaining devices are impressively sharp.<p><p><p>All cut fractional Massachusetts Silver coins are rare, though this piece offers increased desirability as a survivor from the elusive Noe-13 dies. This importance was acknowledged in Christies February 1987 sale, where it was noted that "its importance [is] enhanced by the rare die combination." This piece ranks favorably against most of the intact Noe-13 shillings and offers comparable sharpness to the Norweb specimen graded AU-50 (NGC). A very exciting opportunity for specialists. <p><p><p>From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex H.M.S. Feversham; Christies sale of February 1989, lot 1021.
