1771 Machin's Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 4-71C, W-7690. Rarity-7. GEORGIVS III, Group I. VF-25 (PCGS).
108.9 grains. A significant rarity in the Machin's Mills series with fewer than 10 examples known and they seldom appear at auction. This variety, discovered by Richard August in 1964, combines Vlack obverse 4 (most commonly seen on the 1775 4-75A variety) with a 1771 reverse used only in this combination. It is one of two extremely rare 1771 varieties using this obverse, an example of the even rarer 4-71D is to follow. This remarkable Choice VF is both the most attractive and highest grade example of the variety that we have encountered and is most certainly among the finest known, if not the single finest. Pleasing deep coffee-brown surfaces with lighter steel-brown toning on the devices that creates a nice contrast and allows the bold, well struck detail to stand out with full effect. Perhaps trace microporosity in places, but overall glossy and smooth and there are no contact marks to point out. There are thin slit marks around the entire edge of the coin, carefully cut in by hand to create a reeded edge of sorts. This is easy to miss however and they do little to affect the rims or overall appearance -- interesting if anything. This piece represents the earliest die state seen, with just a small break off Britannia's neck that will quickly advance toward the branch. This large die break combined with cracks and cuds that form in the legends no doubt caused the early retirement of this die pair and its rarity today. This lot is one of several significant opportunities in the present offering of Machin's Mills coinage and is worthy of the finest collection.
PCGS# 914450.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Clem Schettino, April 2007.

Estimate: $15000