Undated (1659) Maryland Lord Baltimore Shilling. W-1080, Breen-64, Hodder 1-A. AU-53 (PCGS).69.8 grains. One of the very nicest survivors of this important issue, the first silver coin produced abroad exclusively for American circulation. Well centered and well struck, with attractive deep gray and light gray tones intermingled on lustrous surfaces. Both sides have a good deal of flash that suggests how remarkable these coins must have looked when first struck; alas, PCGS has certified only one Mint State coin, and these are essentially unknown finer than AU. Some trivial localized softness is present at the extreme periphery at 6 oclock on the obverse and 12 oclock on the reverse. Denticles frame the rest of the obverse border, while the reverse is slightly aligned to the right and shows denticles only at the left. Minor hairlines are visible under magnification but there are no heavy marks. We note a little scuff under Calverts nose and a well hidden old scratch in the soft part of the crown a bit right of center.<p><p>All of Lord Baltimores coins are rare today, particularly in high grade, though a small hoard of sixpence has at least made them collectible. These coins saw actual circulation during their useful lives, as well as abundant abuse after: jewelry use and other sorts of damage are common. <p><p>The last example we sold that was nearly this nice was a PCGS AU-50+ in our November 2012 Jack Royse sale that brought $49,937.50.PCGS# 34.PCGS Population: 4; 7 finer (MS-61 finest).From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Wayte Raymond to the James A. Stack Collection; James A. Stack Estate, privately; Anthony Terranova; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
