Lot 2207
Great Britain. Pattern copper Halfpenny (1671). Charles II. P-404. Tentative design for the very first copper halfpenny of large size. This style was altered the year after this piece was made, and the result was the currency issue of 1672, S-3393, with plain rims in place of the broad, heavily circled ones on this pattern, and a rearrangement of the reverse devices, with a date in the exergue in place of the tiny word "BRITANNIA" found here. The dies for this "official pattern," as Peck labels it, were engraved by John Roettier, and this coin marks the first-ever appearance of the mythical Britannia on a British coin (which is doubtless why the label naming it was placed in the exergue). As we discussed in describing the pattern "ship" farthing of this monarch, elsewhere in this sale, the legend "QVATVOR MARIA VINDICO" claimed, in theory, the four seas as the king's dominion, and is one of very few references to Britain's sea-power in all of numismatics. This pattern is usually seen in VF or slightly better grade, as most were either spent or carried as pocket souvenirs, but this incredible specimen must be among, or perhaps is, the finest known. Gem Proof, struck in low relief, with awesome milk-chocolate brown surfaces, no flaws on them, the fields still reflective (!), producing wondrous, glossy eye-appeal. A few minute carbon flecks, and a tiny scratch above the shield on reverse. But these are quibbling things on a coin whose very existence defies belief. One of the finest early Proofs this cataloguer has seen, and a star of the Cheshire Collection. Anyone interested in acquiring this coin should also consider bidding on the equally important "ship" farthing pattern in this sale. NGC graded Proof 65 Brown.
Estimated Value $1,600 - 2,000.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $1,380 |
