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1723 1/2P Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver MS63 PCGS 1723[1/2P] Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1723 1/2P Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver MS63 PCGS 1723[1/2P] Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver
<B>1723<1/2P> Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver MS63 PCGS.</B></I> Dies of Nelson-8, Breen 156. This rare, off-metal striking is characterized by no pellet before the H, which distinguishes it from the similar Nelson-5 that does have a pellet before the H. Otherwise, this pattern is similar to the adopted design with the obverse legend reading GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX . and the reverse with the legend HIBERNIA . J723.<BR> This silver pattern is simply listed in Breen as "Ex. rare." It is, in fact, unlisted in Nelson, except for the common copper impressions. No examples were in Norweb, Garrett, or the Roper sales. The only other piece we are aware of was the Ford coin, and that example had not been offered at public auction since 1915. This is definitely not the Ford coin as it lacks the planchet flaw in the upper obverse field seen on that piece. This specimen is arguably even finer than the Ford-Boyd-Spink coin as it is perfectly centered with complete (although occasionally indistinct) denticles on each side. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are sharply defined with bold detailing on the king's hair and full, individually separated harp strings on the reverse. Attractive rose toning is seen on the obverse with occasional dabs of cobalt-blue around the margin, while the reverse is mostly gray-lilac with an undertone of rose and deep blue around the periphery.<BR> This piece presents the Colonial collector with a rare opportunity to acquire a coin that most specialists will never have the chance to add to their collection. Probably only two examples exist of this important rarity.