1652 MASSACHUSETTS
"PINE TREE" SIXPENCE -
NOE 33

Rarity: Scarce

Variety equivalent: Crosby 1-A, Breen 48

Notes:
The full weight of an Pine Tree Sixpence is expected to be 36 grains.

This was the only use of the obverse and reverse dies.

Noe 33a is a late state of the reverse, with an enlarged die break between the 1 and the 6 of the date.

Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.

Significant examples:
PCGS AU-50 (35.8 grains, illustrated above).  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23 & 24, 2002, Lot 10, illustrated, where it was described as follows: "... The obverse is struck off center as always seen, as the rocker dies were not properly aligned while the reverse is always well centered. A classic "type" example, this being a more common variety, which shows the design elements well and is often found in higher grades too. The tree is quite sharp, and we note the two pellets which flank the trunk. The die line or break between the 16 in the date is well developed, with a broad lump left and above the 6. Darkly toned in the fields, the surrounding devices a lighter silver color. Relatively clean surfaces, and struck on a wavy planchet, as were all, as this is part of the rocker die coining process." - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 15-17, 2993, Lot 3, sold for $4,887.50

PCGS AU-50 (32.1 grains, illustrated below).  Ex - Paul Arthur Norris - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23 & 24, 2002, Lot 9, illustrated, where it was described as follows: "... Steel gray in color with some hints of gold near the lettering and devices. The lower right obverse is sharp, while the upper left obverse is weak on some of the lettering, which is slightly off center. As to the surfaces, we note the usual trivial ticks and handling marks from brief circulation, and a small rim disturbance on the lower right obverse. The reverse boasts a well centered and balanced strike, with all lettering clear to the unaided eye. We note a disturbance on the D of ENGLAND and above to the rim, and this is probably related to the obverse nick...", unsold - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. "The Benson Collection, Part III", February 24-25, 2003, Lot 5, illustrated, not attributed as to variety, sold for $4,485.00

"VF-20" (illustrated below).  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Pre-Long Beach Sale", September 23 & 24, 2002, Lot 11, illustrated, where it was described as follows: "With the familiar "S" bend in the planchet from the rocker press, and unevenly worn on the obverse. When coinage began of this die pairing, the dies were not properly aligned, and most were struck with the obverse well off center, eventually the coiners adjusted the dies so they were aligned properly (Noe-33a). This particular specimen is very sharply struck on the reverse, and boasts a light silvery gray color enhanced by darker flecks near the devices. Struck on a nice large and round planchet..."

"Very Fine" (29.5 grains, illustrated below).  Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc. Mail Bid Sale, August 24, 2002, Lot 885, where it was described as follows: "1652 MA "Pine Tree" Sixpence, Noe 33a, Very Fine. 29.5 grains. Well-centered on the date side and nearly so on the tree side. This example has a bright, flashy appearance caused by the contrast between the silver high points and the lightly toned fields. A small "tear" in the planchet is visible on the tree side (see image) affecting the right side. This appears to be a natural flaw in the planchet and it should not affect the value of this otherwise impressive coin to any significant degree."

Recent appearances
PCGS Fine-12.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc. "Long Beach Sale", September 18-20, 2003, Lot 5010, not illustrated, "...32.4 grains. Noe-33, Crosby 1-A, R.3. 32.4 grains. A lengthy die line (as made) rises from the V in the denomination. The obverse is somewhat off-center affecting the upper legend, as is characteristic of the variety. The obverse has a pair of vertical pinscratches, but an otherwise pleasing lilac-gray representative of this early Massachusetts silver variety."

"Very Good".  Ex - George Bauer "Auction XVII", December 15, 1945, Lot 262, sold for $14.00 - John Jay Pittman - David Akers Numismatics, Inc. "John Jay Pittman Collection - Part One", October 21-23, 1997, Lot 109, illustrated, "28.3 grains".

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The Silver Coinage of Massachusetts" by Sydney P. Noe