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1089

1775 Counterfeit George III British Halfpenny, Big Bird Family, Dies 2-75A, “Parrot Head” variet

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:NA
1775 Counterfeit George III British Halfpenny, Big Bird Family, Dies 2-75A, “Parrot Head” variet
1775 Counterfeit George III British Halfpenny, Big Bird Family, Dies 2-75A, “Parrot Head” variety. 110.4 grains.Very Good, well-worn, likely with a bit of a weak strike to begin with, and from late die states as well. The obverse legend is full, save for the first letter, while not quite half the reverse legend can be seen, this due to advanced die failure in several areas along the rim, while the date is mostly on the planchet. The distinct obverse bust with its prominent beak …err, nose…which gave this variety its nickname is fully outlined, as is the seated Britannia figure on the reverse. Lighter brown, the surfaces hard enough to the eye, despite some light planchet flaws at the center obverse, and the expected light marks and hairline scratches from ample time in circulation. The Big Bird Family is small, though a George II variety has been added to it since the first counterfeit book was published (we offered this variety earlier, making five known varieties for the family now), and aside from the bird-like visages on some of the dies, the very large letter punches are quite distinctive, and shared by all members of the family. Quite scarce, this one purchased by dealer Richard August in 1998, and still in his envelope where this was priced at $600 – at the time likely a fair price since so few were then known.
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