Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Halfpenny. Martin 1-B, W-11540. Rarity-4. Large Letters. Fine-15 (PCGS).
120.6 grains. An outstanding coin that is absolutely ideal for the grade -- and most would consider it a Choice Very Fine. Smooth chocolate-brown surfaces are quite glossy, the surface quality indeed more commensurate with a higher grade. There are no flaws, roughness, or marks of any consequence. Almost perfectly centered with about as much of the legends visible as ever on the obverse 1 varieties. A well placed splasher on the crown retains its original brassy color. Overall just a wonderfully balanced and lovely coin. Obverse plated in the Martin reference to illustrate the obverse 1 die. As one of the relatively more available die varieties of St. Patrick halfpenny, this would make an excellent selection if you desire just one example of this famous colonial type.
PCGS# 902840.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex William T. Anton, Jr.; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.