1652 Shilling Oak Tree, "In" at Bottom MS(PCGS#45362)

1652 Shilling Oak Tree, "In" at Bottom MS (PCGS#45362)

The June 2011 Baltimore Auction

详细说明: 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Oak Tree Shilling. Noe-10, Crosby 6a-E.1, W-510. Rarity-6. IN at Bottom. EF-40 (NGC). 71.1 grains. This is variety described by Michael Hodder as the "Ghost Tree." Indeed, the tree in the center of the obverse is very weak and difficult to discern, which is diagnostic of the variety. The obverse periphery is much bolder, and that side of the coin is fairly well centered on the planchet. The reverse is very nicely centered with bold to sharp definition throughout, again as typically noted for the variety. Warmly and evenly patinated with few significant abrasions or other detractions to charcoal-gray surfaces. A couple of minor planchet clips are noted, which are very common to examples of this variety and were done in the mint to bring the weight down to within the mandatory range. All in all, a very nice example of a scarce and challenging variety.<br />     There is also a small indentation in the reverse field after the digit 2 in the date that might represent a tooth mark. Many Massachusetts Bay Colony silver pieces were used as "witch pieces" during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693. It was believed by many at that time that carrying a bent silver coin was a protection against witches, the easiest way to bend the pieces being to bite down on one half of the coin while the other half was bent downward.