1652 Shilling Pine Tree, Large Planchet MS(PCGS#23)

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4002

等级

MS61

价格

79,700

详细说明

1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-2, W-700. Rarity-5. N Reversed. MS-61 (NGC). 70.4 grains. The coin is overall smoky-gray in tone with hints of underlying deep-golden color. The pine tree is strong and the fields are free of marks. The denomination and date on the reverse are likewise sharp. The planchet is clipped at the upper right and lower left obverse borders with the tops of the peripheral letters on both sides being off the flan in those areas. This was almost certainly done in the Boston Mint to reduce the weight of the planchet and bring it within the acceptable range of tolerance. A minor planchet flaw (as struck) at 8 o'clock on the obverse border is noted.<br /> This is the so called Straight Tree variety, named because the branches of the tree are rigid and extend diagonally upward. A scarce die marriage, Noe-2 has an extant population in all grades of fewer than 65 coins. Mint State pieces are in the distinct minority among the coins in numismatic hands.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers<br /> </strong>Pine Tree shillings are, of course, among the most storied of early American issues. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote a charming tale about the daughter of Mintmaster Hull having as her dowry her weight in silver Pine Tree shillings. This was fantasy, of course, but the story was widely published and even today is interesting to read. A few years ago Ken Bressett, editor of the <em>Guide Book</em> and I discussed what single coin would best exemplify colonial coinage. We both agreed on the large planchet Pine Tree shilling (focusing on Noe-1, the first listed in the series).