Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Farthing. Martin 1b.2-Ba.2, W-11500. Rarity-6+. Copper. Nothing Below King. EF-40 (PCGS).

One of the two finest examples of this die pairing acquired by Syd Martin. The surfaces are attractively original and dressed in warm, even, chocolate-brown patina. Some softness of strike is evident on the obverse over the king's portrait and at the right border, but all major design elements are fully appreciable, and many are quite sharp in the presence of overall light wear. Texture is lightly pitted in areas, but the in hand appearance is mostly hard, smooth and glossy. A muted splasher is nicely centered atop the crown. Traces of ancient surface scale along the left and right borders are hardly detracting and, in your cataloger's (JLA's) opinion, add to the originality of this handsome piece.

PCGS# 915678. NGC ID: AUAR.

To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Ira & Larry Goldberg's Benson Collection, Part I Sale, February 2001, lot 4; Robert Rhue, via Jim McGuigan; Jim LaSarre, December 2009.