1652 Colonial Pine Tree Shilling PCGS MS-64 Noe-1 Large Planchet with Pellets,

In 1652, the Massachusetts Bay Colony took a modest step toward economic independence by minting the Pine Tree Shilling Noe-1, one of America’s earliest coins. Professionally certified as near Gem Mint State, this silver specimen is the arguably the best preserved of several known examples of the Noe-1 variety graded by PCGS. Struck from 1652 to 1682, these shillings were the cornerstone of colonial currency, often revered as the “aristocrats” of early American coinage. To combat “clipping or washing,” the governor mandated a double-ringed design featuring “Massachusetts” and a pine tree on one side, and “New England” with the year on the other, complete with a secret mark to deter counterfeiters. Holding a 373-year-old coin in such remarkable condition feels like touching a piece of history, a quiet emblem of a young colony’s resolve.

This early Shilling's eye appeal is extraordinary, with a beautifully engraved pine tree that exudes lifelike realism, avoiding the exaggerated stylization of other varieties. As known as the Salmon 1-A, this design is a favorite among type collectors seeking a single, iconic example. Struck on an unusually wide planchet, this well-centered coin—especially its near-perfect reverse—stands out against those typically struck off-center, with only minor strike weakness at the bottom of both sides. The carefully planned legend and balanced elements enhance its elegance, making it a top choice for specialists and high-end collectors.

In The Silver Coins of Massachusetts, Christopher J. Salmon praises the Salmon 1-A’s aesthetic, noting its “very pleasing” effect. He highlights the vertical elongation from the rocker press, the centered small tree, and the fine, well-spaced inscription, likening the obverse to a cameo or engraved gem. These attributes, Salmon argues, makes the coin “the most elegant in design” among Massachusetts silver, cementing its status as a collector’s gem. At over 370 years old, its MS64 condition and captivating artistry make the Noe-1 a numismatic masterpiece, a testament to the colony’s ingenuity and enduring legacy.