1773 VA 1/2P No Period, RD MS(PCGS#245)

1773 VA 1/2P No Period, RD MS (PCGS#245)

May 2009 Pre-Long Beach Auction #53

Lot Description: Lustrous mellowing mint red fading to light steel brown on the highest points, at least 85% of the red remaining. The only marks are a few microscopic ticks or planchet chips on the neck and a tiny pinprick on the throat, plus a spot of chocolate brown toning between the R & E in REX. Sharply struck and nicely centered on the planchet. Variety with 7 harpstrings. These Virginia halfpennies have the enviable distinction of being the only authorized coins with legal tender status struck specifically for a British colony in what became the United States. The choice example offered here is most likely from the keg of mint state pieces obtained by Israel Cohen prior to 1803, and this hoard was completely dispersed by the Cohen family prior to the end of 1929. Pop 17; 30 finer, 29 in 64RD, 1 in 65RD. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. The Mark Gordon Collection.