Lot 2377
Great Britain. Proof Farthing, 1730. George II Young laureate Head. S-3720 (no Proof listed). Peck-857. 1730 was the first year of the farthings of this king, as regal copper coinage had been suspended for a short time and was only re-authorized by a warrant of 1729. Therefore, this Proof represents a sample, or Proof of or for the Record, of the new style farthing. Curiously, Peck calls this piece simply "rare," but Cope & Rayner (English Milled Coinage, 1973) assigns a rating of R3 (very rare) for it in EF condition, without any estimate of its rarity in full Mint State. This cataloguer has seen precious few in 25 years, and is highly impressed by the present piece. The coin possesses gorgeous chocolate-brown color mixed with more than hints of mint red, mostly in evidence around the legend on the reverse. The fields are moderate mirrors, toned over. The strike is decisive, clearly that of a Proof, with superb definition even in the small details of the king's laurels as well as the tiny portrait of Britannia on reverse. A small lint-mark can be seen beneath the laurel sprig on reverse. If anything, NGC has been too critical of this marvelous copper, which has an unusual glow and shimmering surfaces. The king's face has a fine orange-peel texture, seen only on immaculate Proofs. NGC graded Proof 65 Brown.
Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $1,668 |
