1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-1, Salmon 1-A, W-690. Rarity-2. Pellets at Trunk--Cut to Sevenpence Weight--EF-40, saltwater surfaces.41.0 grains. An important example of cut Massachusetts Silver coinage from the wreck of the <em>Feversham</em>. The surfaces of this piece show a subtle granular texture from time spent in saltwater, but the remaining detail is exceptional. The planchet is uniformly wavy and has been cut roughly in half along the equator by two clips that meet near the center. A few minor cleaning lines are apparent on the high points but these do not distract from the overall dark pewter-grey patina.<p> <p>The upper portion of the tree and MASATHVSETS are distinctly preserved on the obverse, and the reverse legends are somewhat off the flan. The date is clear and shows a considerable die break, while just the very tops of the denomination are visible at the lower edge. The devices are evenly pronounced and sharp, indicating that this piece had seen only minimal circulation before plunging into the Atlantic in 1711. <p>This piece was first offered publicly in our (Stacks) sale of January 1999 alongside nearly 50 other pieces of Massachusetts Silver coinage from the <em>Feversham</em> wreck. While we might be tempted to classify this piece as an overweight sixpence, modern research suggests that these fractional pieces were clipped to within strict tolerances. It is likely that it was valued at the actual silver weight of nearly seven pence, rather than the six pence that is assumed by the crude half-cut.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex our (Stacks) sale of January 1999, lot 40.
