1652 Oak Tree 3Pence PCGS XF45 CAC. 1652 Oak Tree 3 Pence (Crosby 5-B, Noe 27.1, R-7). Not often do we have the opportunity to offer a rare colonial coin. These pieces have become so much in demand that they trade very infrequently. As such, the present offering is extremely important, rare, and not predicted to be repeated in the near future.
Oak Tree coinage of Massachusetts, dated 1652 or 1662 was struck for multiple decades, and various varieties exist for the tree pence denomination. The first of three different “tree varieties”, the so-called “Willow Tree” is the rarest, followed by the “Oak Tree” such as the present, and the “Pine Tree”. Varieties of the later are usually found, but remain rare, and are always in demand as being among the first coinage ever made in the United States.
As previously mentioned, varies die varieties exist for the Oak Tree, 3 Pence piece. Sydney P. Noe, who published the major reference on these pieces, lists seven different varieties for this denomination. Varieties 23 to 27 (including the present, 27.1) are struck from the same pair of dies, but each minutely different. During the striking process the dies were often reworked and recut, creating small differences which are all cataloged. Noe-27.1 actually comes before Noe-27. It is identified by a reverse die break, which covers most of EW in NEW. The tree on the obverse is strong, with all roots clear.
The obverse of this coin is slightly misaligned, a common feature on these early silver coins, which were struck in hand. In fact, virtually all coins that are known of this variety are off-center on the obverse, while the reverse usually is centered, as seen here. In fact, only a single variety of this denomination is known to come perfectly centered; no more than a handful of coins are known. As such, it should be considered to come with the variety, as it does not affect the value of this coin in any way. Both sides are lightly circulated with original patina, while the obverse gives a strong AU appearance. Certified by CAC it is a wonderful piece of America’s first successful silver coinage, struck in Boston sometime in the latter part of the 17th century. A very rare variety as well, which was not in the famous and near-complete Ford collection, and a coin seldom offered for sale in any grade.
