1652 Pine Tree Threepence. Noe-36, Salmon 2-B, W-640. Rarity-4. Without Pellets at Trunk. VF-30 (PCGS).

Sandy-gray and pewter colors blend over both sides of this boldly toned example. The upper left obverse periphery is smooth, the impression on that side drawn to 5 o'clock with the letters at lower right running off the planchet. The reverse is nicely centered with a fully legible legend, although the border does lightly engage several letters at tops. The centers on both sides are bold to sharp for the assigned grade, surfaces slightly wavy from the rocker press strike, obverse with a few light scratches scattered about. Though largely forgotten amidst greater attention and market demand paid to the larger shillings, the diminutive Massachusetts Bay Colony threepence are important and interesting as more than accessories to their more beloved brethren. For a moderately circulated piece, this is nearly as nice as they come.

PCGS# 21. NGC ID: 2ARR.

From the Muddy River Collection. Earlier from Heritage's CSNS Signature Auction of April-May, 2016, lot 3004.