1652 Oak Tree Sixpence. Noe-22, Salmon 2b-B, W-400. Rarity-5. IN on Obverse. VF-25 (PCGS).31.0 grains. Incredibly pleasing and glossy, with dark slate-grey toning and subtle gunmetal highlights. The obverse features areas of isolated softness, but the devices are remarkably sharp where present. Much of the tree is weak, leaving only the highest branches and the roots visible. An old scratch near the center accompanies a minor mark at the 11 oclock edge, which is well hidden by the PCGS holder. The obverse alignment to 5 oclock pushes IN of the flan, but most of MASATHVSETS is distinct and supported by a sharp inner circle. The legends remain fully intact on the reverse from an ideally centered strike. An attractive example that can be traced back 36 years to Herbert Melnicks sale of November 1983, where it sold for $550.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex Herbert I. Melnick (H.I.M. Inc.)s Grand Central sale, November 1983, lot 3; our (Stacks) January 2007 Americana Sale, lot 6353; our (Stacks) sale of May 2009, lot 1402.