1652 3P THREEPENCE PINE TREE XF45 PCGS CAC  

1652 Pine Tree Threepence – Noe-34, Salmon 1-A – XF45 PCGS, CAC Massachusetts Bay Colony Silver Coinage represents one of the most iconic issues of early American colonial coinage. Whilst with patience finding a 1652 Threepence can be acquired, finding a problem-free example with CAC approval is near impossible given only 3 are noted finer in AU55. The example offered here is a particularly handsome and original survivor with richly toned, undisturbed surfaces and pleasing overall eye appeal. The obverse exhibits a dominant palette of antique silver and pewter-gray, accented by soft golden-brown and pale copper hues that gently sweep across the fields and design elements. Deeper gunmetal shades gather in the recesses around the tree’s trunk and branches, providing depth and definition, while subtle violet and rose iridescence emerges when the coin is viewed under angled light — a sophisticated visual nuance rarely seen on circulated Pine Tree silver. The texture is softly matte with evenly worn high points, reflecting honest circulation, and the micro-granular character of the fields preserves the crude yet historically evocative fabric of 17th-century hammered coinage. A few shallow planchet striations and mint-made irregularities are present, as expected from this hand-struck issue, further testifying to its authenticity and period manufacture. The planchet is slightly undersized relative to the dies, resulting in portions of the peripheral lettering extending beyond the flan — a characteristic trait of Noe-34. Die alignment is slightly off, with the obverse shifted upward toward 11 o’clock while the reverse remains more centrally struck. These features are consistent with other known examples and contribute to the distinctive colonial character of this piece. The absence of “IN” on the obverse further identifies this as the classic Noe-34 die pairing. Die orientation is 345°, and this exact coin is listed on page 36 of the 2023 Guide Book. Auction records confirm the desirability of this piece: the same coin realized $4,320 (Heritage, 08/28/2022) and $5,463 (Heritage, 02/03/2011). Today this coin has a PCGS Price Guide at $5,500 with a non-CAC XF45 selling since then for $5,040 01/23 HA.