(1795) 1/2 P North Wales, 2 Stars, BN MS(PCGS#776)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

2056

等级

VF30BN

价格

25,424

详细说明

Rare North Wales Halfpenny With Four Star Reverse Circa 1795 North Wales Halfpenny. Four Star Reverse. Musante GW-52, Baker-35, Breen-1298. Copper. Plain edge. VF-30 (PCGS). 27.2 mm. 115.1 grains. Smooth dark brown on both sides but for a small oval of darker patina just right of Washington’s face. Glossy and quite pleasing, with only a few scattered marks seen up close that are typical of the grade. The generally uneven appearance is typical of the issue. As noted previously in this sale, the North Wales coppers were made to look rugged, old and worn. When the four-star variant was struck, the obverse die had failed fairly seriously, so these tend to look a bit rougher than the lettered edge and plain edge, two-star variants. This is particularly choice and though the detail is weak in places, this too is as expected for the issue. As noted in the description for the lettered edge variant offered in a previous lot, Sylvester Crosby published in his 1875 The Early Coins of Americathat this variety featuring four reverse stars was unique, represented by only that in his own collection. Nearly a century later, George Fuld stated that just six were known when he published his 1965 revision of Baker’s reference on Washington medals. By 1999, that estimate had been revised to seven or eight. Though the number has climbed over the years, it has slowed in growth dramatically, suggesting that the true number extant is indeed quite small. It is probably realistically 12 to 15 pieces, and the same is likely true of the lettered edge variant. With the quality and eye appeal offered here, this is a prize for the specialist. It has been off the market since Syd Martin bought it in our (ANR) December 2005 sale of the Old Colony Collection, setting a record price for the variety at the time. Only a single piece has realized more at auction. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (ANR’s) sale of the Old Colony Collection, December 2005, lot 114. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.