Lot 15
1723 Hibernia Farthing, "D:G: REX". PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. When available, the weights are included from our consigner, of course, once in a PCGS or other grading service holder, the weights are subject to guesswork only, unless removed from the holders. This one has superb surfaces for the grade, We note a couple of minor ticks on Georgius chin, blended well with the color, and a tiny mark on the reverse at Liberty's belly button. Glossy brown in color, with a few very small specks on the reverse. One of just two coins graded this high, and seldom offered in grades even approaching this. Sharply struck and a premium coin in every way.
William Wood had won his way into a Royal Patent to produce coins using copper from his mines in England. However, King George I's mistress absconded with Wood's Royal Patent and she demanded a ransom for its release. Paying the ransom greatly increased Wood's costs, and in order to recover some of the ransom money, he struck coins of light weight, thereby increasing his profit, but cheating both the Irish and American Colonies of fair value, and breaking his duty under the patent. The Irish rejected the coins, and they were eventually foisted on the American Colonies, where they circulated widely. The trials of the early coiners make for most interesting study.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400.
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