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1050

1755 Counterfeit George II Halfpenny. 168.2 grains.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:NA
1755 Counterfeit George II Halfpenny. 168.2 grains.
1755 Counterfeit George II Halfpenny. 168.2 grains.Very Good, a well-worn example of a very important variety, which was first noted in the Mike Ringo auction of January 2008. In that sale cataloguer John Kraljevich noted “This obverse portrait is most readily distinguished by a very pointy nose, reminiscent of Mr. Burns on The Simpsons, and two very substantial hair ribbons. Britannia is fat and squat, sitting upon a double-engraved exergual line to hold her burden.” While a grade or two lower than the Ringo piece, the detail is easily matched. The obverse legend is weak at REX, the rest of the letters visible, though often faint, as is the date. Medium brown, lightly rough, and with numerous small contact marks. This is a non-regal date, one in which no genuine British halfpence were struck, though there are a handful of counterfeit varieties which bear this date, for both the British and Irish series. Struck on a very heavy planchet, which seems to be the norm for the variety, as the Ringo specimen was 157.4 grains, also above regal standard. While we cannot ever know when such things were actually struck, it is likely that is was produced in the George II era. Noted by Neil as being from the collection of R. C. Wiley, the author of Coins of Canada. The Ringo piece was thought to be unique, a couple others (including this) have since turned up. A charmingly crude piece, of a very rare variety, in short…..”Exxxxcellent.” Smithers, release the hounds….errrr….bidders.
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