Lot 2
1652 Massachusetts Willow Tree Shilling Noe 1-A Rarity-6+ PCGS graded MS62, CAC. PCGS graded MS-62. CAC Approved. Frosty light to medium steel and lighter silvery gray. The surfaces are smooth and attractive, void of any flaws or marks other than a nick-like depression in the planchet affecting a few of the tree limbs under SA in MASA (probably as struck) and a pair of faint hairline scratches from the D into the 1 in the date. The planchet is more oval than round (28.5 x 26.3 mm), and both sides are dramatically double struck (perhaps more than double). Both of these features are normal for the variety. The date is complete and clear, and most of the legends are readable in spite of the conflicting impressions. The Willow Tree is a jumbled mass of sharply detailed limbs thanks to the double strike. A wonderful example of the very rare Noe 1-A Willow Tree Shilling, the variety considered to be the first one struck of the "Tree" designs that followed the crude New England (NE) pieces. In fact, Willow Tree Shillings are rarer than New England shillings. Obviously the people responsible for striking these coins were going through a learning process, and it took a while to "get it right." Weight 75.3 grains. Listed on page 38 in the "Redbook" where the EF grade is valued at $295,000 while values are not included for mint state pieces because they are extremely rare. Collector's Universe has placed a value of $525,000 on a mint state example--should one become available for sale. Well, here it is. The attribution and Double Struck feature are noted on the PCGS Secure label. PCGS population 1, none finer. The only Mint State example graded by PCGS and the finest graded at both NGC and PCGS. Estimated Value $250,000-UP
Ex Matthew A. Stickney, Henry Chapman 6/1907:2-C. H. Stearns, Mayflower Coin Auctions 12/1966:5 (via Lester Merkin)-Henry P. Kendall Foundation.
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