Goldberg Coins & Collectibles Auctions    
       

       

                             



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

             
            Lot 2212Great Britain. Pattern copper Farthing, 1671. Charles II. 
            P-436. Listed by Peck among the "official farthings," and in fact 
            this is the pattern design most often seen, in silver, from this 
            reign. Lower grade silver coins are easily found in England, VF and 
            AEF pieces, but nicer silver ones are seldom found and must be 
            considered very rare in choice condition. However, copper specimens 
            are elusive, particularly this well preserved. Milk chocolate in 
            color, with remnants of luster adhering among the letters, the 
            surfaces emitting a lovely, glossy brown glow. Only tiny marks may 
            be seen. There are some usual, light die-flaws but these are 
            nothing. The king's portrait is especially appealing and well 
            engraved. This beautiful coin is one of the Cheshire Collector's 
            favorites, and we quote his comments and research here: "This great 
            rarity was produced before the beginning of the regular production 
            of farthings in 1672. Farthings were not made available to the 
            public until a week after the proclamation of 16 August 1672 and 
            Peck concludes that we should regard this 1671 farthing as 'the 
            final prototype of the current farthing, struck in anticipation of 
            the proclamation'. Listed by Peck as 'very scarce' the piece is now 
            seldom seen in any grade." NGC graded MS-63 Brown. 
            Estimated Value $1,400-1,600. 

            Provenance: The Cheshire Collection.
             Realized $1,400
             


          








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