1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-9, Salmon 7a-Diii, W-750. Rarity-6. Without Pellets at Trunk, Reversed N--Cut to Twopence Weight--EF-40.13.0 grains. A splendid fractional cut Pine Tree twopence made from a Noe-9 shilling. This piece represents the southwestern portion of the shilling, spanning from around 6 to 8 oclock. It is a neatly produced example, with sharp straight cuts and just a trace of irregularity on the rounded edge. The MA of MASATHVSETS is nicely centered above a strong inner circle on the obverse, while the lower trunk of the tree can be found along the edge. DOM is nearly full at the reverse border, framed by sharp dots above and below. The lower stalks of II in the denomination are strong at the vertex. Toned in dove-grey shades with traces of steel blue throughout. Noe-9 is rare variety overall, and cut fractionals from these dies are exponentially more elusive. The present example is a significant offering for advanced Colonial specialists.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Acquired from Michael Johnson of Georgetown, SC, January 2006.
