Treasure hunter makes find of a lifetime -- The 1662 "Oak Tree" two pence, minted in Boston

FROM:
http://eastbayri.com/detail/127251.html

3/25/09 10:07AM

Treasure hunter makes find of a lifetime

MIDDLETOWN - A Warwick man searching in Middletown
with a metal detector recently found one of the
Holy Grails of early American coins: An
exceedingly rare specimen minted by the
Massachusetts Bay Colony more than 340 years
ago.

The 1662 "Oak Tree" two pence, minted in
Boston, predates the birth of the United States
by more than a century. It is one of only a
handful known to exist and is worth $5,000 or
more. But to Bill Ladd, who has been metal
detecting for more than 30 years, it's real
value is as a tangible link to America's
early years.

"For a New Englander, it's the ultimate coin
to find," he said. "I'll probably never find
another."

To learn more about Mr. Ladd's find, its
historical significance and see photos of
the coin, see the March 25 printed edition
of Newport This Week.


....

Arizona Coin Collector wrote:
FROM:
http://eastbayri.com/detail/127251.html

3/25/09 10:07AM

Treasure hunter makes find of a lifetime

MIDDLETOWN - A Warwick man searching in Middletown
with a metal detector recently found one of the
Holy Grails of early American coins: An
exceedingly rare specimen minted by the
Massachusetts Bay Colony more than 340 years
ago.

The 1662 "Oak Tree" two pence, minted in
Boston, predates the birth of the United States
by more than a century. It is one of only a
handful known to exist and is worth $5,000 or
more. But to Bill Ladd, who has been metal
detecting for more than 30 years, it's real
value is as a tangible link to America's
early years.

"For a New Englander, it's the ultimate coin
to find," he said. "I'll probably never find
another."

To learn more about Mr. Ladd's find, its
historical significance and see photos of
the coin, see the March 25 printed edition
of Newport This Week.

A dug oak tree 2d is not likely to fetch anywhere near $5k.

The "ultimate" coin to find in New England is a NE silver coin, no matter
what the denomination.

James