1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Small Planchet. Noe-20, Salmon 6-B, W-860. Rarity-7. Fine Details--Damage (PCGS).70.02 grains. This is an incredible rarity from the Pine Tree series with pleasing slate gray surfaces and dark pewter patina in the recessed areas. The obverse die is in a catastrophic state of failure, with the initial crack from the rim at 12 oclock having developed into an elevated cud that affects the upper left quadrant. Additional cracks from the rim at 3 and 9 oclock are similarly well formed. The upper reverse opposite this cud is weakly struck, though the denomination remains bold at center. A misalignment towards 6 oclock on the reverse removes the tops of the legend near the bottom edge. Scattered small abrasions show beneath a glass but these are only minimally significant within the overall aesthetic. An elusive die marriage missing from Garrett, Picker, Roper, Oechsner, and the 1970 Massachusetts Historical Society sale. This specimen now available for the first time in a lifetime.From the Cohasco Collection of Colonials formed by Sir Philip H. Snyder, circa 1963-68.
