1652 Oak Tree Shilling. Noe-14, Salmon 11a-Gi, W-530. Rarity-4. Spiny Tree--Cut to Threepence Weight--VF-20, damaged.16.0 grains. Largely dove-grey with a swath of chocolate brown on the obverse. Neatly cut at a 90 degree angle encompassing the 12 to 3 oclock obverse portion of the shilling. The strike is nicely centered on each side, with the legends evenly spaced form the edge. The partial legend HVS remains on the obverse, though an old hole in the planchet obscures much of S. This hole also impacts the E of ENGL on the reverse, which is emphasized by a strong inner circle below. The first half of the date is also clear at the vertex, though there is no trace of the tree on the obverse. Scattered minor marks show in the fields beneath a glass, along with areas of trivial granularity from environmental exposure. It was discovered by a metal detectorist in a field near Richmond, VA which provides important insight regarding the widespread circulation of these New England pieces.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Discovered by metal detectorist Robert Nucklols in a field around Richmond, VA circa 2004. Acquired in June 2016, via eBay.
