1662 Oak Tree Twopence. Noe-34, Salmon 1-B, W-240. Rarity-5. Large 2--Counterstamped ELH--VF-20.10.8 grains. Overall smooth and glossy, the surfaces display an even slate-grey patina throughout. The obverse is drawn towards 10 oclock but the legends remain intact, while the reverse is nicely centered on the flan. The initials ELH are punched in tiny letters on the reverse near the inner circle at 5 and 10 oclock, which somewhat distorts the surface at the opposing obverse points. A shallow straight cut splits the obverse border at 6 oclock near an old scrape that has fully toned over. The central elements remain impressively sharp on each side, making this a desirable find for both type collectors and counterstamp specialists. <p>We previously offered this piece in our sale of the legendary John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, where it was featured in Part 23 among the Counterstamped coins. In the cataloguing we noted that "counterstamps on Massachusetts silver coinage are exceedingly rare as a class, " as this piece was the only example included therein. The ELH mark is incredibly enigmatic but has long been acknowledged by numismatists. It is potentially a collector mark of the same fabric as the famous D punched on coins owned by William Forrester Dunham, including the Dexter 1804 dollar, at least two Capped Bust Right eagles and several Hard Times tokens. We first see mention of the ELH counterstamp in Lyman Lows sale of the Benjamin Betts Collection in January 1898. Offered in lot 934 was a Spanish 1790 proclamation silver medal said to feature a "V[ery] small punch with letters ELH stamped below bust." The mark has since been encountered on three Massachusetts silver coins, two of which are included in this sale, a 1798 Draped Bust dollar, and a Peruvian 8 reales of Philip II. Not listed by Brunk or Rulau, the ELH mark absolutely deserves further study and this is likely the first time that multiple specimens have ever been offered at once. It will also probably be the last.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex our sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part 23, August 2013, lot 21728.
