1722 Wood's Hibernia Halfpenny. Martin 3.7-Ba.1, W-12670. Rarity-6. First Type, Harp at Left. Specimen-62 BN (PCGS).
118.5 grains. An unusual example toned in handsome autumn-brown with glints of olive. Very sharply struck with full central details showing on a planchet which was well made and has somewhat reflective surfaces. The quality of the piece was good enough to inspire a previous owner to call it a ''Proof.'' There are one or two light marks, and a small patch of discoloration at the upper left on the obverse near the rim, but these hardly detract from the overall appearance of this gorgeous piece. While any specimen Wood's Hibernia piece is an attractive and special rarity, the ones from this first year of issue must be counted as a preeminent collectible property, given their status as the earliest coin with Proof or Specimen designation that a colonial enthusiast can hope to own. The title of Walter Breen's book on Proof coins is Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins: 1722-1989 for a reason: this coin. Breen's first listings in the book are under the heading "William Wood's Proofs" which he terms "among the most highly prized of American Colonials." This type is listed as entry 22: "1722 Halfpenny, Wood's HIBERNIA type, first design: harp left. Copper, Scott C340. Reliably reported to exist in proof, but I have not seen it." This is only the second 1722 Wood's Hibernia halfpenny of either type (Harp Left or Harp Right) in a Specimen holder that we have ever offered. The first was the primary Syd Martin coin, certified Specimen-65 BN by PCGS, that brought $10,200 in our November 2023 Auction. It was also struck from the Martin 3.7-Ba.1 die pairing.
PCGS# 921403. NGC ID: F7HW.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from the E.H.A. Sale, February 2, 1914, lot 5; F.C.C. Boyd estate; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part VII, January 2005, lot 24. Possibly also ex Philip Nelson, per Boyd. The plate coin for both the obverse (Middle Die State) and reverse dies in the 2007 Martin reference on Wood's Hibernia coinage, pp. 157 and 281, respectively.