1652 Oak Tree Threepence. Noe-28.5, Salmon 6-B, W-310. Rarity-6. No IN on Obverse. VF Details--Damaged (NGC).

14.8 grains. A more affordable example of this scarce and conditionally challenging Noe number that retains plenty of bold definition on the reverse. In fact, all design elements on that side are discernible except for those along the upper left border. For the obverse we note clear letters ASATH in MASATHVSETS, part of the beaded inner circle, and faint traces of several branches throughout the oak tree. Bright pewter-gray surfaces with a curiously glossy texture and scattered digs that best explain the NGC qualifier. Prominent die breaks along the right obverse border usually confirm the middle Noe-28.5 state, although softness in that area means that those features are indistinguishable here. We do, however, note characteristic softness along the lower border on this side that confirms our Noe-28.5 attribution. This is a popular variety among Massachusetts silver enthusiasts, the only die pairing of the Oak Tree threepence with the obverse and reverse legends oriented in this fashion.

PCGS# 45357. NGC ID: 2ARF.

From the Muddy River Collection. Earlier from Heritage's FUN Signature Auction of January 2019, lot 3790.