Lot 33
1760 Hibernia-Voce Populi Halfpenny. "VOOE POPULI". PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. Perhaps the very finest known of the issue, this coin boasts not only a bold strike but also very pleasing color and surfaces. Better than the Garrett or Norweb examples, as well as the Roper EF (lot 159) which wasn't photographed in that sale. PCGS has graded one as high as MS-62, and above only this specimen as a near gem MS-64. The dies show minor roughness at the centers, particularly on the reverse. Struck on a very nice planchet, and well enough preserved to retain a trace of mint red near the lettering and devices. A simply magnificent example of this popular variety and one of the highlights of this specialized collection.
The VOOE error appears to be an engraving mistake, the "C" was first engraved upside down perhaps rather than a "die break" as noted in most prior offerings of this variety. If one studies the width and proportion of the additional area which closes the "C", it appears to be that type of error rather than any sort of die break.
These were thought to have been coined in Ireland, and intended for circulation there, but ended up circulating along the eastern shores of America after speculators bought them up and shipped them to these shores.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.
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| Realized $4,140 |
