1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-1, Salmon 1-A, W-690. Rarity-2. Pellets at Trunk. AU-58 (PCGS). 67.90 grains. The ultimate numismatic icon of early America, there is perhaps no more widely desired colonial coin than a nice Noe-1 Pine Tree shilling. This is just such an example, with wonderfully original surfaces that are warmly and evenly toned in a blend of rose and pearl-gray. Struck on a broad, irregular planchet that is elongated vertically, a typical feature of pieces struck on a rocker press. A bit lightly defined along the lower left obverse and reverse borders, the result of die clash, the balance of the design is sharply rendered from a fairly well centered impression that does, however, leave portions of blank planchet at the upper obverse and upper right reverse. Satiny in texture with hints of original luster peering through the toning, the surfaces are exceptionally smooth with not even a single detracting blemish.<p>However "classic" is defined, the Noe-1 Pine Tree shilling fits the title. A collector in 1840 would have been just as excited to own this coin as one today, and this would be just as appreciated in a museum as at a coin club meeting. While high grade Noe-1 Pine Tree shillings are far from common, this coins prime desirability does not rest upon its rarity. Instead, it is the essential distillation of everything desirable about an early American coin: an antique appearance, a great backstory, a recognizable design, all deliverable to anyone who aspires to collect such things. While nearly any collector can own a Pine Tree shilling, few ever obtain one of this sort of quality. Clearly an aggressive bidding strategy will be required to secure this lot. From Heritages sale of the Alan V. Weinberg Collection, January 2020 FUN Signature Auction, lot 4062.
