'1771' 1/2P Machin's, Vlack 3-71B, BN MS(PCGS#826939)

'1771' 1/2P Machin's, Vlack 3-71B, BN MS (PCGS#826939)

Spring 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: 1771 Machin's Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 3-71B, W-7680. Rarity-5. GEORGIVS III, Group I. EF-40 (PCGS). 121.6 grains. A bold example of the 1771 date and scarce Vlack 3-71B die variety. Exceptional sharpness on the seated Britannia figure on the reverse, the high relief detail there robbing the obverse of some definition where natural depressions are seen on the neck and hair. Bold everywhere else and well centered with a full border of dentils on the reverse and nearly so on the obverse. Recolored reddish-brown and orangey-tan, the surfaces show light porosity under the glossy patina. Trace of lacquer atop the head and one old scrape from the second N of BRITANNIA to the branch arm. Only one piece has been graded finer at PCGS across all 1771 varieties. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Mike Wierzba, March 2019. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 826939. 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.