1652 Sixpence Pine Tree - No Pellets

Coin Details

Description

A die variety of the Pine Tree sixpence identified by the absence of pellets (decorative dots) in the design field. On other Pine Tree sixpence dies, small pellets appear flanking the tree on the obverse or near the denomination on the reverse. This variety presents a field free of these additional elements, creating a somewhat cleaner design that relies entirely on the tree motif, legends, and beaded borders. The obverse shows the pine tree encircled by MASATHVSETS IN without accompanying pellets, while the reverse carries VI and NEW ENGLAND AN DOM 1652 in the standard format. On the small sixpence planchet, the distinction between pellet and no-pellet varieties can be subtle, as the limited field space means pellets, when present, are often small and positioned close to other design elements. The presence or absence of pellets is one of the key diagnostics in Noe-Salmon attribution for all Massachusetts colonial denominations. These decorative elements were individually punched into the die face, and their consistent presence or absence across multiple impressions from the same die confirms that they are features of the die rather than random artifacts of the striking process. Pine Tree sixpences of any variety are scarce coins. The sixpence denomination, while essential to colonial commerce, survives in lower numbers than the shilling for all three tree types. Specific die varieties within the sixpence are often represented by only a handful of attributable specimens, making the systematic study of Pine Tree sixpence dies one of the more difficult exercises in Massachusetts colonial numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Rare die variety within an already scarce denomination. Specific Noe attribution may be difficult on worn specimens.

Cross References

Noe (consult Salmon revision); Crosby