Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Halfpenny. Martin 3-C, W-11540. Rarity-6. Large Letters. Fine-15 (PCGS).

135.1 grains. Smooth, hard, autumn-brown copper that is really attractive. There is a natural planchet crack at 10 o'clock on the obverse that is also visible on the reverse, the latter side with an ancient verdigris spot near the border at 8:30. Free of detracting marks or significant pitting. The obverse is soft at upper left and lower right borders, suitably bold elsewhere for the grade. The reverse is bolder overall and, while soft and garbled at upper left, close inspection reveals that this feature is largely the result of doubling to that side. (There is a second E before the first primary E in ECCE.) Two discreet, noncontiguous golden-brass splashers are plainly evident on the obverse atop the crown and the upper part of the harp. A pleasing and intriguing example of this rarer Martin number in the halfpenny series.

PCGS# 902842. NGC ID: AUAS.

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From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Richard August, April 23, 2008.