1723 Farth Hibernia, D:G:REX, BN MS(PCGS#173)

October 2018 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

7031

Grade

MS63BN

Price

1,200

Lot Description

1723 Wood’s Hibernia farthing. Martin 1.1-Bc.1, W-12240. Rarity-5. D:G:REX. MS-63 BN (PCGS). 73.6 grains. A distinctive rarity in the series, the only die variety of 1723 farthings to employ the D:G:REX obverse. Syd Martin’s study of die states revealed that this obverse was used with a 1723-dated reverse before its 1722-dated mate, making this elusive marriage a likely prototype. The surfaces are very pleasing, frosty medium brown with a hint of pastel blue and the faded glow of mint color barely hanging on around the devices. The strike is both ideally centered and especially sharp. A stripe of natural surface granularity crosses Hibernia’s ankle and reaches into the left reverse field, and an old hairline crosses the same field horizontally from E of HIBERNIA to the seated figure’s waist. A die clash is visible connecting NIA to the J (1) of the date. This variety is scarce in any grade but rarely found finer than this. Provenance: From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Pine Tree’s sale of the Elizabeth Morton Collection, October 1975, lot 467. PCGS Population: 16; 11 finer. PCGS# 173 Click here for certification details from PCGS.