1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Small Planchet. Noe-16, Salmon 2-B, W-835. Rarity-2. AU-53 (PCGS).

70.83 grains. It is difficult for us to imagine a more desirable example of either the Small Planchet Pine Tree shilling type or the Noe-16 die pairing at the AU level of preservation. This piece is boldly struck and well centered on a near-perfectly circular planchet. Border beading is nearly complete, and quite sharp at that, with the only area of softness at the lower right obverse. All design elements are sharp and fully evident, the surfaces richly and originally toned in steely-olive and pewter gray. The fields are textured, as made, the preservation outstanding without so much as a single detracting blemish. In general, the Noe-16 Small Planchet Pine Tree shillings were very well produced and struck on high quality metal. The dies were kept in service for an extended period of time, providing an interesting study of obverse die states as it wore down. The reverse die held up remarkably better and was later used for at least six subsequent die marriages. The reduction of planchet size in the 1670s helped Hull and Saunderson reduce the Boston Mint's costs and allowed for a greater potential profit to its benefactors. Because of its overall high quality and relative availability, the Noe-16 shilling has long proven to be a popular selection for type collections as well as students of the early Colonial period. The discerning numismatist would do well adding this lovely example to their cabinet.

PCGS# 24. NGC ID: 2ARZ.