1723 Rosa Americana Halfpenny. Martin 3.7-F.1, W-Unlisted. Copper. Rarity-8+. Crowned Rose. VF-30 (PCGS).

54.6 grains. A fascinating off-metal strike that one would expect to be a Wood's Hibernia farthing when just looking at the obverse. Clearly a pure copper planchet, chocolate-brown and glossy, much different in appearance than the grainy olive-brown and gold-colored Bath metal planchets that were standard for the Rosa Americana coinage. This variety is unique in copper and is one of just a handful of copper examples for the entire series across all denominations. Scattered pitting on the obverse that appears natural to the planchet. No other issues, just moderate wear, and overall a fairly pleasing coin for the grade. A remarkable and extremely rare piece of great interest for the advanced specialist.

PCGS# 905575.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Scott Stamp & Coin Company, December 4, 1909; our (Bowers and Merena's) sale of the Norweb Collection, Part II, March 1988, lot 2417; John Agre (Coin Rarities Online), May 2015.