1662 Oak Tree Twopence. Noe-30, Salmon 1-A, W-240. Rarity-4. Small 2. AU-53 (PCGS).

12.3 grains. A thoroughly appealing, uncommonly high grade example of this historic and popular Colonial era type. Both sides are richly toned in deep steely-olive. Obverse struck off center toward 6 o'clock, as typically seen for the variety, while the reverse is nicely centered. Even so, both sides exhibit bold to sharp definition for virtually all design elements that are present, and even portions of the lettering along the lower obverse border are discernible. The planchet is nearly round, slight waviness as made. The diagnostic reverse break from the base of the digit 2 in the date to the adjacent bead is clear to confirm the Noe-30 attribution. The Oak Tree Twopence is the only denomination in the entire series of early Massachusetts Bay Colony silver coinage to bear the date 1662, believed to be the year of its authorization based on a General Court order dated May 16, 1662 indicating that "twopence pieces of silver, in proportion according to the just value and alloy of the monies" be coined at Hull and Sanderson's mint. Known in at least six different varieties, the Oak Tree twopence is generally broken down into Small Date and Large Date types. The denomination does not seem to have been widely used and did not continue on with the introduction of the Pine Tree coinage in 1667. In fact, the Noe-30 variety is found more often in high grade than lower circulated condition. This denomination is, of course, essential for any type collection of Massachusetts silver pieces, and it is represented here by a handsome piece that would be difficult to improve upon at the certified About Uncirculated level.

PCGS# 915751. NGC ID: 2ARD.

Ex Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006; Sydney F. Martin; our sale of the Sydney F. Martin Collection, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, lot 8167.

Estimate: $5000