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Auction 267 | Lot 5001 » Colonials

Undated (1652) SHILNG New England Shilling VF20 PCGS. Breen-8, Noe-III-C. 70.8 grains. By the 1630s, the British mercantilist system had virtually stripped the Massachusetts Bay Colony of circulating specie. Furthermore, royal edicts forbade the colony from producing its own coinage to fill the void. During the late 1640s, however, King Charles I was executed, royalist forces were defeated at the Battle of Worcester, and the royal edicts lost the enforcement power that they possessed before the English Revolution. In May 1652, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony authorized John Hull and Robert Saunderson to produce silver disks of proper weight for Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence denominations. These were the first coins produced in what is now the United States.

All examples were delivered between June 11 and October 19, 1652. The ease with which these simple-design coins could be clipped and passed at full value led to their replacement by the Willow Tree issues in 1653. Hence their extreme rarity today.

The NE inscription for New England appears on the obverse of the Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence. The denomination XII, for Twelvepence, or one Shilling, is prominent on the reverse of the largest denomination. Six varieties of NE Shillings are known, and the number of survivors for all of these die marriages totals only 50 coins, or thereabouts.

The present example displays original, medium gray color with a relatively smooth planchet for its grade level. The NE inscription on the obverse is quite weakly struck, while the denomination XII on the reverse is much more distinct, although a little worn. There are some planchet flaws (as struck) near the upper obverse border, and these features explain why the NE inscription is not well defined.

Despite having bought, sold, and auctioned more than $2 billion in rare coins, this is the first NE Shilling that we have handled in the 18 years since Heritage co-owner Jim Halperin moved from Bos (PCGS# 13)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

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Service PCGS

Grade VF20

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Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $34,500.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5003 » Colonials

1652 Oak Tree Shilling XF40 PCGS. Breen-18, Noe-5. 69.6 grains. An original piece with much of the original luster still intact on each side. The surfaces are generally silvery-gray with deeper golden-rose patina around the outer peripheral devices. Well centered, the only problem being a tiny planchet crack on the obverse between 4 and 5 o'clock, a common occurrence on these thin, large-planchet coins. Listed on page 17 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 20)

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Service PCGS

Grade XF40

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Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $4,140.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5004 » Colonials

1652 Oak Tree Shilling XF40 Old Cleaning Uncertified. Breen-22, Noe-13. 66.2 grains. Bent and straightened at the bottom of each side, the surfaces are deeply toned over the old, and now almost imperceptible cleaning. Quite well centered for the type and a rare find, especially in this grade. Listed on page 17 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 20)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $2,415.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5006 » Colonials

1652 SHILNG Oak Tree Shilling AU55 PCGS. IN at Left. Breen-17, Noe-3. 72.5 Grains. The centering is more accurate on the reverse, but both sides display sharp definition in the centers. The right peripheries are not fully struck up due to planchet flaws (as produced), and there is also a crack in the planchet at 9 o'clock on the obverse. The softness of definition at the upper reverse border is diagnostic of this die variety. Otherwise, this coin is apparently Mint State, and solidly so at that. PCGS may have decided to net grade it to AU55 because of the striking imperfections. The surfaces have survived with very few post-production distractions, and the color is an even, original, lavender-charcoal shade with tinges of golden and blue-gray colors interspersed here and there. There is quite a bit of luster (for both the type and grade) on both sides. A difficult Colonial issue to locate in any grade, and especially at such an impressive level of preservation. Listed on page 18 of the 2001 Guide Book.
Ex: Barrington Sale (Kingswood, 8/90), lot 6133.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 20)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU55

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $9,200.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5002 » Colonials

1662 Oak Tree Twopence VF20 PCGS. Small 2. Breen-35. Noe-30. 11.8 grains. Although the Oak Tree Twopence pieces dated 1652 are believed to be 19th century forgeries, this original 1662 piece traces its origin back to the 1660 contract between the Generall Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the coiner John Hull. Both sides display incomplete borders and peripheral design elements that are likely the combined result of an imperfect strike causing the planchet to buckle, and subsequent uneven wear. The visible details, however, retain more than adequate definition of the major features to offset these weaker areas. Indeed, overall this piece is quite sharp for the grade. Listed on page 17 of the current Guide Book. (PCGS# 17)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade VF20

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $2,990.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5009 » Colonials

1652 SHILNG Oak Tree Shilling VF30 Reverse Scratches, Slightly Clipped Uncertified. Spiny Tree. Breen-23. 58.6 grains. Formerly offered as lot 809 in the Blauvelt Sale, where it was described as, "Lightly clipped. With graffito "X" scratched into reverse. Actually a quite pleasing coin overall." Listed on page 18 of the current Guide Book.
Ex: Harold Blauvelt Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 2/77), lot 809.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 23)

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Service Uncertified

Grade VF30

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $1,265.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5011 » Colonials

1652 SHILNG Pine Tree Shilling Fine 12 PCGS. Small Planchet. Breen-61, Noe-29. 65.1 grams. Both sides are struck more or less off center with fading peripheral definition from extensive wear. Traces of electric-blue iridescence are seen in a few areas near the rims, the centers are silver-gray in appearance. There are scattered abrasions on both sides, but the number and size of these distractions are consistent with the assigned grade, for which this coin is actually rather attractive. An elusive, early Colonial issue, listed on page 18 of the current Guide Book.
From the Eric A. Kreuter Collection. (PCGS# 24)

Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Service PCGS

Grade F12

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $1,610.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5012 » Colonials

1652 SHILNG Pine Tree Shilling XF45 PCGS. Small Planchet. Breen-58. Noe-25. 72.4 grains. A rare Pine Tree variety and seldom found in this grade. The most distinctive characteristic of this variety is the VV instead of W in NEW. The surfaces have dark gray patina overall with much underlying red and blue coloration. Very well centered with all the peripheral lettering complete. A very pleasing example of this scarce variety and type. Listed on page 31 of the current Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 24)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade XF45

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $3,450.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5013 » Colonials

1652 SHILNG Pine Tree Shilling AU53 PCGS. Small Planchet. Breen-52. Noe-16. 71.9 grains. Struck between 1675 and 1682, this variety is usually only found in low grades. This is a splendid piece that has a great deal of bright mint luster on each side. The centers are silvery-gray with rich multicolored patina around the margins. Well centered also with most of the denticles visible on each side. Accompanied by the envelope in which Dr. Seventko purchased this coin, which describes the grade as "Superb Gem Uncirculated, the finest known." Perhaps a bit optimistic, but in our opinion it is far better than the PCGS subsequently assigned to it would imply. Indeed, we have never seen its equal. Listed on page 18 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 24)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade AU53

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $8,337.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5007 » Colonials

1652 Pine Tree Threepence AU53 PCGS. No Pellets. Breen-4, Noe-36. 18.4 grams. The obverse (tree side) is slightly off center, though less so than the following lot. However, the reverse (side with the date) is almost perfectly centered. Gray patina covers both sides with deeper charcoal-gray color surrounding the devices. Much luster is evident on both obverse and reverse. Extremely attractive overall, despite a few trivial and well hidden marks below the III on the reverse. This piece, despite its lower PCGS grade, should actually sell for a higher price than the following lot. In fact, the ANACS certificate that accompanies this lot lists the grade as Unc. This certificate also authenticates this piece and lists the variety. Listed on page 18 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 21)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU53

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $4,887.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5008 » Colonials

1652 3PENCE Pine Tree Threepence AU55 PCGS. No Pellets. Breen-49, Noe-36. 16.7 Grains. This is a wholly original piece with alternating lavender-gray and charcoal patina. The strike is off center, with some of the peripheral details on both the obverse and the reverse incomplete. The obverse also displays planchet flaws (as produced) that obscure some of the other peripheral lettering. The reverse is much sharper in appearance with bold definition over all of the devices that are present. Struck from rusted dies, with a slightly buckled planchet of only average quality. Listed on page 18 of the current Guide Book.
Ex: Barrington Sale (Kingswood, 8/90), lot 6135.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 21)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU55

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $3,910.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5014 » Colonials

Undated 6Pence (1658-1659) Lord Baltimore Sixpence XF40 Cleaned Uncertified. Breen-64. 2.60 grams. Very rare, this is the first sixpence we have offered in at least many years. The surfaces show evidence of cleaning and are obviously hairlined as a result, but some deeper peripheral toning accents each side. Actually, this is quite a pleasing piece that shows no obvious marks or other surface distractions. Listed on page 19 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 33)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $5,462.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5015 » Colonials

Undated 6Pence (1658-1659) Lord Baltimore Sixpence XF45 PCGS. Breen-64. Many years are now over and, remarkably, we offer a second and considerably Choicer example of this elusive Colonial. Both sides of the exceptional Maryland Sixpence we now offer are toned in lovely golden and pale lilac hues, with peripheral flashes of deeper sea-green color. We could hardly envision a more appealing example of this rare and seemingly undervalued (at least in comparison to the more obtainable Shilling) type. Listed on page 19 of the 2001 Guide Book. (PCGS# 33)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade XF45

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Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $12,650.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5016 » Colonials

Undated SHILNG (1658-1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling XF40 PCGS. Breen-64.The first of two examples to be offered in this sale, but we must stress that the scarcity of nice Lord Baltimore Shillings is of the highest order and that an opportunity like this may not be repeated for years. This piece is a lustrous light silver with slight waviness to the planchet. There are a couple of centuries-old hairline scratches on the obverse that are not a particular distraction. Listed on page 19 of the 2001 Guide Book. (PCGS# 34)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade XF40

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Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $10,350.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5017 » Colonials

Undated SHILNG (1658-1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling AU53 PCGS. Breen-64. Simply put, this is a rare Colonial issue, despite the fact that we recently offered an XF45 PCGS representative as lot 7424 in our June 2001 Long Beach Signature Sale. (For collectors who may need help figuring their bids for the present specimen, we note that the XF45 example in our Long Beach Sale sold for $9,488.) This coin is very well struck for the type with only slight softness of definition near the upper reverse border. The tops of the lower obverse and upper reverse lettering are off the planchet, but the words are easily identifiable. Steel-gray patina in the centers gives way to deep, charcoal toning around the peripheries. Representatives of Lord Baltimore's Penny, Fourpence, Sixpence, and Shilling issues are all rare, and the large Shilling is the preferred choice of most Colonial type collectors. Listed on page 19 of the current Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 34)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU53

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $9,487.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5018 » Colonials

Undated 1/24RL (1688) American Plantations Token AU55 PCGS. Restrike. Breen-78. This coin is a restrike circa 1828. The die break in the obverse field is not present, but the figure's head is midway between the letters G and B in the legend and the obverse die is severely rusted. This is a mostly silver-gray example with traces of luster in the more protected areas. The strike is generally sharp, a few areas of porosity are seen on both sides. We stress, however, that the latter features are common to many survivors of this type. A small planchet void (as produced) is seen in the left obverse field. Listed on page 20 of the 2001 Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 49)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade AU55

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $776.25

Auction 267 | Lot 5020 » Colonials

1722 PENNY Rosa Americana Penny MS60 Red, Porous Surfaces Uncertified. Nelson-10. 130.9 grains. Formerly offered as lot 419 from the Hoke Greene Collection, where it was described as, "UTILE DULCI, with one rosette after the date. Sharply struck throughout. This coin has superb golden mint brilliance and nearly perfect surfaces. Rosa Americana pennies of this caliber appear at public auction only a few times in any given decade. Always, they are quickly "snapped up" by astute specialists in colonial coins.

"William Wood, an Englishman, was the creator of this classic early American numismatic treasure. He obtained a patent from King George I to make tokens for Ireland and the American colonies."

The surfaces are slightly porous and the highpoints are toned from long-term storage in a paper envelope. Listed on page 21 of the current Guide Book.
Ex: Hoke S. Greene Collection (Bowers and Merena, 6/85), lot 419.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 113)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade MS60

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $3,220.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5021 » Colonials

1722 2PENCE Rosa Americana Twopence AU53 PCGS. No Period after REX. Breen-90. A beautiful deep cherry-brown example of this rare issue that displays only a trace of wear on the highest points of the design. The planchet appears porous when it is viewed under magnification, however this is most likely as made, and no significant or active corrosion is evident. Very few abrasions are noticed, indicating that this piece circulated very little (if at all). Produced by William Wood in England, the Rosa Americana pieces were issued for circulation in the Colonies; mass refusals of the coins led to a halt in coinage by 1724. This issue is difficult to locate in any grade, and high grade survivors are seldom seen. A magnificent early Colonial issue that would enhance any specialized collection. Listed on page 22 of the 2001 Guidebook. (PCGS# 116)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU53

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $1,840.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5028 » Colonials

1724 FARTH Hibernia Farthing Pattern MS60 Brown Uncertified. Nelson-18. 71.90 grains. This is a Hibernia pattern we have never encountered before. The obverse shows the traditional laureate head of George I to the right with the usual peripheral lettering. However, the reverse is different from any we have seen: A female figure, presumably Britannia, is seated facing left. In her left (facing) hand she holds an orb, her right (facing) hand supports a scepter, and a shield with rose and thistle rests against her right (facing) side. The surfaces are brown overall and slightly porous. The flip that accompanies this piece states that this is one of only four examples known. The only verification of this we can find is in the Nelson reference where he mentions examples known in the Nelson, Hoblyn, and Caldecott Collections. In any case, this is a very rare and significant Colonial issue for the specialist.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 187)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade MS60

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $6,037.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5025 » Colonials

1723 1/2 P Hibernia Halfpenny AU55 Uncertified. Breen-155. 6.94 grams. Well struck for the issue with iridescent, chocolate-brown surfaces and no significant post-striking impairments. Listed on page 24 of the 2001 Guide Book. (PCGS# 180)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade AU55

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $322.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5026 » Colonials

1723 1/2 P Hibernia Halfpenny MS64 Brown PCGS. Breen-157. Not a rare type in an absolute sense, but a difficult Colonial issue to locate in such a desirable state of preservation. This piece is boldly, if not sharply struck in all areas with fully defined borders. The reverse die was rusted at the time of striking, and there are a few small planchet flaws (as produced) over King George's portrait. There are no bothersome abrasions, and the surfaces are toned in even medium brown patina with a pleasing, glossy sheen. Listed on page 24 of the current Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 180)

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Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $920.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5030 » Colonials

1767-A Sou Sou Counterstamped RF Fine 15 Light Corrosion Uncertified. Breen-701. 12.15 grams. A pleasing piece for the grade with a strong counterstamp. Light brown color overall. Listed on page 32 of the 2001 Guide Book. (PCGS# 158637)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade F15

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $57.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5031 » Colonials

1767-A Sou French Colonies Sou VF20 Corroded Uncertified. Breen-700. 12.21 grams. An uncountermarked piece and very scarce as such. The fields are deep, almost charcoal-gray with tan highlights over the devices. Unevenly struck with the top of the reverse and bottom of the obverse weak; otherwise, well defined elsewhere, and problem-free for the grade. Listed on page 32 of the 2001 Guide Book. (PCGS# 158637)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade VF20

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $80.50

Auction 267 | Lot 5075 » Colonials

Undated TOKEN (1778-1779) Rhode Island Ship Token MS62 PCGS. No Wreath. Breen-1139. This is the variety where the word vlugtende, or fleeing, has been removed from the lower obverse border. Struck in brass and toned to a pleasing, chocolate-brown color. The strike is generally sharp, and the minimally abraded surfaces have the eye appeal of a higher grade. Listed on page 29 of the current Guide Book.
From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko. (PCGS# 579)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS62

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $2,990.00

Auction 267 | Lot 5034 » Colonials

1773 1/2 P Virginia Halfpenny AU50 Old Cleaning Uncertified, sharply struck with deep olive patina over each side that is accented by scarlet around the devices; "1783" Washington and Independence Copper XF40 Old Cleaning, deep brown patina overall with just a bit of red still evident around part of the outer devices; and a 1793 Washington Ship Halfpenny VF35, deep brown color over each side, die swelling at the top of the reverse causes some of the devices to be ill-defined, a rim bump is noted between 3 and 4 o'clock on the reverse. (Total: 3 coins) (PCGS# 240)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade AU50

Auction Ended

Aug 11, 2001

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Sold For: $747.50