1652 Oak Tree Threepence. Noe-25, Salmon 3-Ai, W-280. Rarity-6. No IN on Obverse. Fine-15 (PCGS).15.0 grains. An old straight clip at the right obverse edge results in a modern weight equally positioned between a twopence and a threepence. Overall dove-grey with darker patina around the devices and faint sapphire highlights. The strike is drawn toward 6 oclock on the obverse and correspondingly 3 oclock on the opposite side. Weakness at the right obverse is typical and obscures SAT of MASATHVSETS and most of the tree. The reverse is sharper overall, missing the final N of ENGLAND but featuring a sharp denomination. Slightly wavy but very attractive. It was described as "about as eye-appealing a specimen of this variety as you are apt to find" when it was last sold in our March 2010 sale of the Peter Scherf Collection, nearly 10 years ago. <p><p><p><p>Noe-25 is a deceptively elusive variety despite the Rarity-6 rating. It was missing from several important cabinets of Massachusetts silver including Stearns, Newman, and Partrick, and none showed up at the 1991 ANS Exhibition. Specialist Mike Hodder could only identify seven pieces when cataloging the two(!) Ford coins in our October 2005 sale, remarking that "the variety is quite rare and may be underrated at R-6." While it is seldom found in grades above Fine, our March 2015 sale of the Kendall Collection Foundation included a ground find with rough surfaces but Extremely Fine sharpness. With strong definition and superior eye appeal, this piece is an important offering for advanced Colonial collectors.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Sussex Collection, June 1990, lot 3953; our (Stacks) sale of the Peter Scherff Collection of Colonial Coins, March 2010, lot 2013.
