1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-6, Salmon 5-Di, W-720. Rarity-6. Without Pellets at Trunk, Reversed N--Cut to Sixpence Weight--EF-40.36.2 grains. An rare manufactured Pine Tree sixpence that has been masterfully aligned to the 36 grain standard. Mostly dove-grey in color with regions of darker slate patina near the borders. The planchet was precariously split along the vertical obverse axis, leaving this half with the right side of the tree and the final few letters of MASATHVSETS. Centuries in seawater have imparted a granular texture to the surfaces, but remarkable definition remains to the devices. The strike is well centered on each side, with strong inner circle dots around the central elements. The digit 5 in the date is tight to the left edge on the reverse, as is the X of the denomination below. This example was illustrated in Joseph Lassers article on the <em>Feversham </em>coins published in the February 1989 edition of <em>The Numismatist, </em>identifying it as a significant piece from this shipwreck treasure. It was first brought to market in Christies sale of February 1989 where it was cataloged as a "cut half" with "all details visible, very good and very rare." in lot 1076. <p><p><p><p><p>From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex Christies sale of Coins from the Wreck of the H.M.S. Feversham, February 1989, lot 1076.
