Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Auctions    
       

       

                             



Sale 31: The Pre-Long Beach Auction May 30 - June 1, 2005
             

             
            Lot 2207Great Britain. Pattern copper Halfpenny (1671). Charles II. 
            P-404. Tentative design for the very first copper halfpenny of large 
            size. This style was altered the year after this piece was made, and 
            the result was the currency issue of 1672, S-3393, with plain rims 
            in place of the broad, heavily circled ones on this pattern, and a 
            rearrangement of the reverse devices, with a date in the exergue in 
            place of the tiny word "BRITANNIA" found here. The dies for this 
            "official pattern," as Peck labels it, were engraved by John 
            Roettier, and this coin marks the first-ever appearance of the 
            mythical Britannia on a British coin (which is doubtless why the 
            label naming it was placed in the exergue). As we discussed in 
            describing the pattern "ship" farthing of this monarch, elsewhere in 
            this sale, the legend "QVATVOR MARIA VINDICO" claimed, in theory, 
            the four seas as the king's dominion, and is one of very few 
            references to Britain's sea-power in all of numismatics. This 
            pattern is usually seen in VF or slightly better grade, as most were 
            either spent or carried as pocket souvenirs, but this incredible 
            specimen must be among, or perhaps is, the finest known. Gem Proof, 
            struck in low relief, with awesome milk-chocolate brown surfaces, no 
            flaws on them, the fields still reflective (!), producing wondrous, 
            glossy eye-appeal. A few minute carbon flecks, and a tiny scratch 
            above the shield on reverse. But these are quibbling things on a 
            coin whose very existence defies belief. One of the finest early 
            Proofs this cataloguer has seen, and a star of the Cheshire 
            Collection. Anyone interested in acquiring this coin should also 
            consider bidding on the equally important "ship" farthing pattern in 
            this sale. NGC graded Proof 65 Brown. 
            Estimated Value $1,600-2,000. 

            Provenance: The Cheshire Collection.
             Realized $1,200
             


          








Courtesy Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, Beverly Hills, CA. www.goldbergcoins.com