Lot 20
1723 Hibernia Halfpenny. PCGS graded AU-55. These were originally struck by William Wood who obtained an authorizing Royal Patent to strike these for Ireland. However, they were unpopular as the patent allowed them to be well underweight when compared with then current coinage in England (60 halfpence to the pound in Ireland as compared to 46 halfpence to the pound then current in England). The Irish people were outraged and refused the coins. Speculators purchased them at bullion value and shipped them off to America, where they circulated for a century or more.
Chocolate brown in color with some areas of reddish color, and with some minor verdigris tucked in with the devices. Sharply impressed by the dies, and a perfect example to represent this important colonial issue.
Estimated Value $350 - 450.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, 7/44 as "V. Fine" for $3.50.
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| Realized $322 |
