Colonials
1652 SHILNG Pine Tree Shilling, Large Planchet, Reversed N, MS64 NGC. Noe-7, W-730, Salmon 6-Dii, R.6. Ex: Eric P. Newman Collection. 74.4 grains. This near-Gem Pine Tree shilling exhibits freshly-struck eye appeal across lustrous, silver surfaces that reveal pleasing iridescence. Shades of orange, peach, pastel green, and blue -- slightly deeper at the upper obverse -- add to the attractiveness. The tree is beautifully rendered, tall and graceful.
Salmon's well-stated description of this variety reads in part:
"This is a new obverse die, and is not derived from prior varieties. It is often referred to as the 'Tall Tree' variety. The tree is beautifully and realistically rendered with a narrow tapering trunk arising from a ground line that appears to consist entirely of roots which abundantly fill the foreground. There are eight branches per side, arranged asymmetrically with none paired across midline."
The planchet is irregularly shaped with an up-and-down rocker press wave and with clips present, primarily at left and right. Portions of the legends are absent as a result, with W ENGLAND affected on the obverse, while the reverse is impacted at the upper portions of VSETS and the I of IN. The letters near 12 o'clock on the obverse exhibit only minor distortion resulting from the rocker press effects.
Recut from the reverse die used for the Salmon 5-Di variety, this reverse displays reworking of the 6 and 5 of the date, along with other more subtle changes. This variety is also known for a bold diagonal die break extending through the center, as clearly evidenced by this piece. N in ENGLAND is reversed. A truly splendid specimen, this Pine Tree shilling will make an outstanding addition to an advanced collection.
Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society Part IV Signature (Heritage, 5/2014), lot 30276.
HID02901242017