High Grade 1616 Sommer Islands Shilling

Lot 2
c.1616 Sommer Islands (Bermuda) Shilling, small sail. PCGS graded EF-40. One of the classic rarities of the colonial series, only a few were known before the advent of metal detectors located several more in the Bermuda Islands. These were struck at the authorization of the Governor Daniel Tucker who was in office for just two years, 1616 to 1618. It is not known who made them, but they were struck using the ancient hammer method. The planchets were thin and seldom round, and silvered lightly to simulate value. Curiously the silvering caused the coins to rapidly corrode, and hence virtually none are known with smooth surfaces or much more than a trace of the original silvering. In particular we note this example is dark brown in color, with a fairly sharp strike. More or less round and well preserved, there are the usual areas of corrosion, but less so than on many others of this issue.
The Sommer Islands were named for Sir George Sommers (or Summers or Somers, all spellings recur) who ended up in the Bermuda Islands during a hurricane which forced his ship the Sea Adventure to seek shelter for repairs in 1609. Sommers left the Islands after the ships were repaired and returned to England, leaving a few sturdy men behind to claim the Islands for England. Those left behind were memorialized in Shakespeare's The Tempest with its allusion to the Islands. Meanwhile, Sommers returned to the Bermuda Islands the next year to bring provisions back to England, however Sommers died while in Bermuda. Thus the Islands were renamed from the Bermuda Islands (also Hogge Islands for the wild pigs on the Island which arrived via a shipwreck in 1532) to the Sommers Islands. In time, the name reverted back to the Bermuda Islands.
The coins depict the wild hog or boar, so many of which were found on the Island, and the reverse likely shows Sommer's flagship. Despite the numbers found in recent years, PCGS has graded a scant 3 so far, one in grades of VG-VF, and two as EF-40, with none higher! Most of those which have been located in the sands of Bermuda are in far worse shape than seen here, and many are corroded nearly beyond recognition. For many years only 2 were known (Crosby) and it wasn't until more recent times that a few dozen have been unearthed. If you demand a relatively attractive example of this rare coin, then bid accordingly as these rarities only turn up when major collections cross the block.
Estimated Value $35,000-UP.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Rare and Important Oak Tree Twopence 1662

Lot 3
Oak Tree Twopence 1662, N-31, Cr-1-A3, R-6. 8.6 grains. PCGS graded AU-53. 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. PCGS has graded 8 as such, with just 10 graded higher.
Estimated Value $6,000-8,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Lovely Oak Tree Sixpence 1652

Lot 4
Oak Tree Sixpence 1652, N-20, Cr. 1a-D. PCGS graded EF-45. Antique silvery gray in color with the familiar "S" shaped bend from the rocker press on which they were struck, on this particular one the crease is through the lower left of the obverse. The planchet is slightly elongated being taller than it is wide. Well struck and with very nice surfaces for the issue. One thin line is noted on the upper right of the tree and this may be remnants of an undertype or possibly a minor split in the planchet.
The source of the silver for these early coins was Spanish coinage, which had enriched Spain for several generations. The Spanish silver was melted down and purified up to acceptable levels for sterling, then rolled into strips for planchets. These 1652 coins represent some of the most important and collectible of the entire spectrum of colonial coinage.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Rare EF 1652 Oak Tree Shilling

Lot 5
Oak Tree Shilling 1652, Noe 1, Crosby 9-H. 70.4 grains. PCGS graded EF-45. An important example of this rare issue which boasts a clean planchet and well struck devices. The surfaces show scattered handling including some ancient pin scratches on the upper right of the obverse, and another scrape on the reverse on the L of ENGLAND. Pleasing antique silver toning on both sides adds to the appeal. The planchet is fairly round, and the strike is well centered with only the tops of a few of the peripheral letters run to the edge.
Thought to have been the first of the oak trees struck on the rocker dies, these are usually found and well rounded planchets and much better than average strikes, as seen here. As a type coin, this example would make an ideal purchase, as many other varieties are not only much rarer and more costly, but tend to come with more challenging planchets and weaker strikes. An impressive coin for the colonial specialist.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Lovely AU Pine Tree Threepence 1652

Lot 7
Pine Tree Threepence 1652, N-36, Cr-2a-B. 15.4 grains. PCGS graded AU-55. Pleasing gunmetal gray in color, with excellent surfaces throughout. One minor straight edge above the rosette to the M, otherwise the planchet is very round and choice. As to the strike, we note sharp details on all but the D of ENGLAND on the reverse. Further, substantial die lines and engraving slips are plainly visible on this specimen, and there is no trace of the rim break at AS. PCGS has graded only 5 this high, with a single coin graded higher of this issue. A splendid opportunity for the specialist to acquire a very scarce coin. PCGS has graded 5 this high, but importantly, only 3 are graded higher.
Estimated Value $6,000-8,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Classic Large Planchet Pine Tree Shilling

Lot 12
Pine Tree Shilling, large planchet 1652, N.1, Cr. 12-I. 71.0 grains. PCGS graded AU-55. Pale iridescent silver and blue on both sides, with ample luster in the fields near the devices. A later die state than most, with a vertical crack noted on the tree trunk, and the reverse with a virtually bisecting break at the top of the date. Other cracks are present as well, one at the top of the denomination, a lump is present on the upper left of D(OM) and a larger lump on (A)N. Nicely round save for a straight edge clip on the left obverse, and sharply impressed for the issue with just a trace of weakness on left side of the M, with all other design elements bold and complete. A classic example of this ever popular type coin, and one which is rarely found in such superlative condition.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Rare and Desirable Maryland Sixpence

Lot 16
Maryland Sixpence, Lord Baltimore. Dies 2-C, R-5. PCGS graded AU-58. One of the finest graded of this rare coin, it stands alone as the sole "58" seen by PCGS and we note a single coin graded higher as MS-61 out of a grand total of 12 graded in all of the sixpence denomination. The surfaces are toned a lovely light antique silver color with darker gold flecks around the obverse periphery, and similar on the reverse with more gold toning over silver gray color located on that side. Weakly struck on the central obverse but all the device outlines are present. One very minor mark is noted on face, from the back of the nose to the hair, but a strong glass is needed to find it. No other surface problems worthy of note and this coin is far above average in surface quality, even for this grade.
Please see the Lord Baltimore shilling in this sale for some of the rich background on these important colonial issues. A foremost opportunity, and we hope that this 6 pence and the shilling can be purchased by the same buyer, as the coins are well matched in grade and overall quality.
Die information from the Bowers & Merena Norweb catalog, November 15, 1988, page 233, which should be seen for further information.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Magnificent AU Lord Baltimore Maryland Shilling

Lot 17
Maryland Shilling, Lord Baltimore. Dies 1-A, R-6. PCGS graded AU-55. One of the classic rarities of the Colonial issues, the Lord Baltimore shilling elicits collector excitement whenever they are offered. On this particular specimen we note the planchet is of good quality, and the color is a natural lilac silvery gray. The strike is typical for the issue, with the weakness in the hair on Lord Calvert, and the familiar die injury (clashing?) on the reverse below II in the denomination. Close scrutiny will note a thin line like mark from the lower rim into the bust of Lord Baltimore, and a similar and thinner line from the rim into the D of DNS, and we suspect that this coin may have been struck three or more times, the first two strikes off-center, with these trace lines (from the edge of the previous off center-strikes) remaining as evidence. Corresponding planchet lines are present on the reverse. A great rarity, and we note that PCGS has graded only 3 of these Lord Baltimore shillings as AU-55, with 1 higher as AU-58 and one at the top at MS-61 out of a grand total of 24 graded in all grades listed. Breen estimates the entire mintage at 20,000 pieces, virtually all of which have long since disappeared. They were struck in London, probably at the Tower Mint.
George Calvert was a member of the first London Company, established by Royal Charter in 1606, and settled in Virginia. Rising to prominence, Calvert asked for and received a new Royal Charter which was granted in 1632 to establish a trading community in what later became Maryland. The Royal Charter authorized Mr. Calvert to assume stewardship of approximately 10 million acres, on which Calvert was to establish a community called "Avalon", in order to purchase furs and dried fish for resale to England. As the Royal Charter was being prepared, George Calvert died, so the Charter passed to his son, Cecil Calvert, and formal assumption papers were adapted by June 20, 1632. Although authority for coinage was not mentioned, Cecil Calvert assumed this privilege was included, as this privilege was included in the similar 1606 Virginia Grant.
The colonists that braved the sea voyage grew tobacco, and naturally tobacco became the primary medium of exchange. As more and more acreage was planted, and the population grew, tobacco's purchasing power fell relative to other needed goods and services. Curiously, rents were fixed by contract and payable in tobacco, which was advantageous for renters, but prices of other needed goods (food, gunpowder and imported wares) soared when purchased with the deflated and abundant tobacco. Complaints were loud and frequent, and something had to be done. The situation got out of control by 1650, and Cecil Calvert, the Second Lord Baltimore, had to actually sell his own cattle in order pay the colony's soldiers wages in order to avert a mutiny (Crosby P. 124, or Breen's Encyclopedia P. 18). By 1658 Calvert decided to exercise his assumed power to coin money. The local colonial assembly passed the necessary legislation, and soon the new coins arrived from London and could be used to pay all rents, arrears, taxes, duties and other obligations, and even allowed for the punishment of counterfeiters.
Denominations of shillings, sixpence, four pence and penny were ordered and struck in London during 1658/9. The eyebrows of The Clerke of Irons in the Tower, Richard (Thomas?) Pight were raised and he obtained a warrant for Calvert's arrest on October 4, 1659.The charge was for exporting silver and the denominations and weights of the coins were at issue. Calvert answered questions posed by the Committee of the Council for Plantations and the Committee passed legislation which allowed the coinage and kept Calvert out of hot water.
The coins eventually turned up in Baltimore by 1662 after the legal problems were settled, and local legislation was then passed forcing all householders and freemen to exchange 60 pounds of tobacco for 10 shillings in the new coins. The population at the time of such householders and freeman is estimated to be 5,500 persons, and thus Breen has extrapolated mintages of these coins. The coins circulated for a time, but within a few decades had vanished, with the local Baltimore citizens reverting to the barter system again, using not only tobacco, but even hemp or Cannibus Sativa (marijuana) was officially allowed as legal tender at the rate of sixpence per pound payable on any debt!
Early silver in the American colonies is quite rare, most coinages were of copper by the various states and other cast offs from England, Ireland and France. Here is one of the finest of these rare and desirable Lord Baltimore shillings to survive. Better than the examples offered in Picker, Robison, Eliasberg or Roper. An opportunity of great importance for the colonial specialist.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

High Grade Newbie or St. Patrick Silver "Farthing"

Lot 19
St. Patrick Silver "Farthing". PCGS graded AU-55. A rare silver example of this important Colonial issue, the surfaces are pleasing and smooth save for some minute granularity at the centers, probably as struck. No handling marks worthy of note, and this is likely one of the finest examples extant in silver. One minor toning streak through the harp to the King, otherwise a dark silvery gray color. Fairly well struck, with some details on the obverse face, less so on the reverse. These coins are notorious for their weak strikes, and the Garrett collection contained the only finer examples. PCGS has graded only 2 this high, with none graded higher in silver, of a total of just 8 examples graded. A foremost rarity in top grade, and worthy of the finest collection.
This is a regular die issue but was struck in silver, known as an "off metal striking". These St. Patrick or Newbie's coppers were struck in the Tower Mint in London around 1641-42. The Catholic troops of Charles I had to be paid, and once the Long Parliament seized the Tower Mint, these coins were used to pay the loyalist troops fighting Cromwell's Protestant forces in the Ulster Rebellion. The tide turned against the King, and soon Cromwell was in charge, and the new ruling Protestants suppressed everything Catholic, such as these coins. The St. Patrick coins went into hiding. Next these coins appeared in Catholic Ireland and the Isle of Man, where they circulated until they were declared uncurrent in 1679. Mark Newbie, a Quaker, moved to Ireland and bought up a great many of these coins knowing that small change would be a valuable commodity in America, where he was planning to join fellow Quakers in 1681. Newbie used his considerable political influence to have these coins made legal tender, forcing their acceptance by the populace. Newbie died a year after his arrival in the Colonies, but his coins continued to circulate for many generations to come.
Estimated Value $6,000-8,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Rare Mint State American Plantation Token

Lot 20
(1688) James II Plantation Token tin farthing. PCGS graded MS-62. These were struck for circulation in the New England and New York areas, which at the time of issue (around 1688), were plantation colonies of England. They were coined at the Tower Mint in London, using at least six obverse dies and seven reverse dies. Coinage weights were uncertain, but evidently these were struck at 50 to the pound, and worth the stated value of 1/24 of a Spanish Real. Later they were changed into "Proclamation Money" where they were worth 1½ Farthings, and often circulated at double face value in the Colonies. All examples are rare, and most show the familiar "tin pesting" as seen here, despite being of mint state quality. PCGS has graded only 6 coins this high, and none higher, making this as nice as these are ever found. An important, and rare colonial issue for the specialist.
The Plantation Token came about because of the tin price collapse in England during the period of 1679-80 (Breen). Although tin had been discovered and used since antiquity, being useful in making bronze, the idea of using tin for coinage had not been employed. This is because of the fact that tin turns into dust when exposed to extreme cold almost instantly, more slowly at normal temperatures, with evidence of tin pesting a by product of time and exposure to the elements. Nevertheless, the tin mine owners of Cornwall and Devonshire had a crisis, their tin mines were virtually worthless, and something had to be done with all that tin. What better solution than convincing the royal authorities under James II to coin the tin into money? Now the tin miners would have a steady source to sell their tin production to at higher prices than ever. Thus the Tower Mint began producing tin farthings and half pence for British domestic circulation from 1684-92. King James II's secretary Henry Guy then hatched the idea of making tin coins for the American Plantations, as the Colonies were known at that time, unless the Tower Mint had any objections. Apparently no objections were voiced, and soon the Tower Mint was coining these 1/24th Real coins for export. Literally within a few weeks of these being struck., James II was ousted during the "Glorious Revolution" which interrupted coinage. Analysis shows these coins to be 97.5% pure tin, which accounts for the always rough surfaces seen today. A London coin dealer named Matthew Young obtained two pairs of dies from these and restruck several in tin around 1828, these restrikes display a die crack in the right obverse field, and are nearly as rare as the originals, and also suffer from the same tin pesting as seen here. This particular coin is an original example, and shows no trace of the obverse die break.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.

Gem Silver Pattern 1723 Hibernia Farthing

Lot 24
1723 Hibernia Farthing. Silver pattern. PCGS graded MS-65. Brilliant, prooflike surfaces with brighter silver devices offset by darker gold toning atop the mirror fields. A few flecks of blue near some of the lettering and devices are noted. Medallic in strike, with no signs of weakness even on the highest devices, each of which retains minute details. Examination will locate trivial handling ticks, but not enough to keep this from the gem class, and this may be the finest known example of this important pattern issue. It is the finest graded by PCGS, and alone as the only MS-65 graded. As to the variety, note the usual small die crack from the tip of the bust into the rim below, and DE are well clear of the head, while I touches. Nearly identical to the Norweb coin (Bowers & Merena, 11/15/88:3447) but this apparently a different coin as the toning and surfaces don't match up to the photo of the Norweb. A small hoard of these turned up in England in 1971, but many great collections still lack an example. While PCGS considers the silver coins of this issue to be mint state, they have traditionally been called "proof" for the past several generations. Regardless of the terminology, this is a beautiful coin worthy of the finest collection in the land.
There is an intriguing story behind the Hibernia coinage. King George I signed a Royal Patent on June 16, 1722, authorizing William Wood to coin copper halfpence and farthings for Ireland (this is the same William Wood who also received a patent for coinage of Rosa Americana coinage a few weeks later). However, the King's mistress, Ehrengarde Melusina, Dutchess of Munster and Kendal and commonly referred to as "The Maypole" stole this document (and the patent for the Rosa Americana coinage) as soon as the King signed and sealed it, then the Maypole ransomed each document to Wood for £10,000 (equal to over $500,000 today).
Wood paid the ransom to the King's Whore, then struck coins in earnest. Upon the coins unexpected arrival in Ireland, both houses of the Irish Parliament took the lightweight halfpence and farthing as insults. The old standard of 46 halfpence to the pound had been changed to 60 to the pound under Wood's Royal Patent. Thus, the Irish Parliament petitioned the Crown to revoke the authorization, not only because of the lightweight coins, but also because of the shenanigan of the Maypole in the affair. Wood himself added fuel to the blazing fire by letting his thoughts be known in the October 8, 1723 issue of the Flying Post. Thereafter, no Irish person would accept the coins, and they did not circulate. All this excitement caught the eye of Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver's Travels and other books) who began a systematic smear campaign against Wood (Breen). Wood continued the fight, saying he would "cram his brass down their throats", to which followed accusations of bribery, debasement and fraud against the people of Ireland.
The battle to force his coinage on the people of Ireland was lost, and Wood resigned his patent in 1725. The invisible hand of commerce then acted, and speculators bought up the coins for close to bullion value, and shipped them to the American Colonies where copper coinage was greatly needed, and they circulated here for generations to come.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.