1652 Pine Tree Shilling

Many thanks for your reply TypeCoin971793, in regards to the die flaw/strike what would you say it's unusual or common for the minting of this particular coin?

This is an interesting coin, and I agree that it appears to be a Noe 29, small planchet variety. The small planchet Pine Tree Shillings were among the last of the Massachusetts coins. It was said that perhaps the British were getting ready to clamp down on the coinage of these pieces, which were technically illegal for the Massachusetts Bay Colony to authorize for production. At any rate the Massachusetts Mint closed after mint master, John Hull, died in 1682.

The one word of caution that I would attach to this piece is that it will need to be certified by PCGS or NGC to get the best price for it. PCGS weighs every piece, if the coin comes up short according their standards, it does not get a "clean grade."

This piece is unusual in that it has a large void in the design which appears to be the result of a failed die. According to Q. David Bowers in his book Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, the Noe 29 variety usually comes well stuck. This piece obviously is not.

Here is the small planchet Pine Tree Shilling from my collection. This is a Noe 16, which is a common variety.

Thank you everyone for your messages, I've learned a lot in the space of a day. I think i'll contact NGC or PCGS and hopefully get this coin slabbed and take it from there. Exciting times!

Absolutely get it slabbed. And let me add, this coin has a great original uncleaned look. I've bought many coins from the UK and most have been untouched and left alone. So many coins here have been cleaned over the ages. Love the look!