Significant examples:
PCGS AU-53 (illustrated
above). Ex - Paul Arthur Norris - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins
& Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23
& 24, 2002, Lot 3, illustrated, where it was described as follows:
"This coin was struck on a nicely round, but rough planchet. Toned a
medium gray color, and well balanced. The date is weak on the reverse due
to the die state, which shows the expected crack at the top of the 2 to
the A in ENGLAND. On balance, the coin is well struck, but trace weakness
can be found on some letters and on the lower portion of the oak tree.
Rare and seldom offered, the Twopence is desired by type and variety
specialists. Struck on a light planchet, but still within the expected
range for these. The surfaces are without handling problems, aside from
the roughness noted in the fields. The exact die state is difficult to
determine because of the roughness...", not sold - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins
& Collectibles, Inc. "The Benson Collection, Part III",
February 24-25, 2003, Lot 1, illustrated, sold for $3,680.00
Recent appearances:
"PCGS XF-40" (illustrated
below). Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc. Mail Bid Sale,
August 24, 2002, Lot 884, where it was described as follows: "1662
MA "Oak Tree" Twopence, Noe 31, PCGS graded XF-40. 9.3 grains. Original
silver-gray colors. Slightly off-center on the obverse and well-centered
on the reverse. The planchet has a slightly wavy appearance, most likely
from the worn state of the dies. Overall, a nice example of John Hull's
smallest denomination.", unsold - Early American History Auctions,
Inc. Mail Bid Sale, December 7, 2002, Lot 909
PCGS
VF-35. Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries "The Rarities
Sale", July 31, 2002, Lot 1, "...10.2 grains...",
illustrated, sold for $2,300.00
Sources and/or
recommended reading:
Sydney P. Noe, "The Silver Coinage of
Massachusetts"