Sharp Choice EF Noe-27 Oak Tree
Unusually Wide Flan Anthony Terranova: "Definitely Top 3 or 4"
1652 Oak Tree Threepence. Noe-27, Salmon 5-Aii, W-300. Rarity-5. No IN on Obverse. EF-45 (PCGS).
18.6 grains. Cataloged by Walter Breen in 1974 as "an outstanding example, easily one of the finest threepences known," a sentiment echoed by Anthony Terranova later when he stated, per Syd Martin, that "as far as condition goes it's definitely top 3 or 4." This example certainly stands up to their praise. The surfaces are an attractive and fairly even deep gray, natural and original in appearance, with a certain level of smooth gloss on the obverse, though the reverse shows a bit of granularity. The tree is very sharp and the legends are complete, though the reverse is soft atop ND in the upper left quadrant. There is considerable unstruck surface beyond the outer border at lower obverse and reverse, and Anthony Terranova further describes this as "the widest flan for a 27 known"; it measures 18.8 mm x 18.3 mm. Perhaps not quite as nice as the primary Boyd-Ford piece or the primary Martin specimen offered (as PCGS AU-53) in our August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, but still (far) finer than most that we have seen from these dies. A dull ancient dent is seen under the digit 1 in the date, but only minimal evidence of handling is noted otherwise, all commensurate with the slight level of wear this piece has received. The visual appeal is wholesome and attractive. It is sharper and more complete than the Partrick coins, all three graded EF-45 by NGC. As a type coin, this piece's sharpness and surface quality would make it very difficult to surpass. Writing in his 2010 reference The Silver Coins of Massachusetts Christopher J. Salmon notes, "The previously described intermediate 'varieties' designated 'Noe 26.8', 'Noe 27,1', and 'Noe 27.1.1' are simply minor variations in die state of the 5-Aii Oak Tree threepence and are not listed here as true and distinct varieties." By the arcane system employed to represent each of these separate die states as a different variety, this would appear to most precisely be termed "Noe 27.1.1.1". We know of few collectors who split their hairs so fine, and the arguments about what constitutes a die variety versus a die state will continue so long as beer is served at C4 conventions. The die state is very similar to the primary Boyd-Ford coin (the Noe and Salmon plate piece) and the primary Martin specimen mentioned above, with a thorough break in the lower half of E in NEW but not yet filled in as on the second Boyd-Ford coin. This is earlier than the Hain coins called 27.1.1, an earlier state than 27.1, which is an earlier state than 27. While fascinating to study, the nomenclature is clumsier than a five-legged hound dog.
PCGS# 914812. BASE PCGS# 18. NGC ID: 2ARF.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Pine Tree Rare Coin Auction's Promised Lands Sale, April 1974, lot 199, via Lester Merkin, to the following; our sale of the Henry P. Kendall Foundation Collection, March 2015 Baltimore Auction, lot 2354; Anthony Terranova, July 2019.