Undated (1659) Maryland Lord Baltimore Sixpence. W-1060, Breen-68, Hodder 2-C. Rarity-5. AU-53 (PCGS).38.3 grains. An absolutely superb specimen of this denomination, a coin whose provenance predates the Morton and Eden hoard and whose visual appeal exceeds those coins as well. Gold and navy blue highlights, along with subtle iridescence, overlay lustrous light silver gray surfaces. Some frost remains at the peripheries. The centering is far better than usually seen, with a full frame of denticles around both sides. The strike is likewise top notch, with a strong portrait and complete shield. Scattered minor old hairlines are seen, along with a thin diagonal scratch beneath AR of MARIAE in the left obverse field<p><p>Richard Pickers collection, sold by us (Stacks) in 1984, was relatively small but mighty, full of superb quality type coins gleaned from decades in the business as a specialist dealer in colonial coins. Picker would have recognized what made this coin special: its superb technical grade, unusual full centering, and bold strike. PCGS has graded fewer than 10 specimens at finer grades, but this particular combination of positive attributes goes far beyond the grade on the holder. This is a coin for a connoisseur.PCGS# 33.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of the Richard Picker Collection, October 1984, lot 50; Gary Parietti, May 2003.
