 1724 Wood's Hibernia Farthing. N.12. Pattern. D:GRA.REX obverse legend. Copper. Gem Uncirculated. 79.1 gns. A really lovely example of this hybrid issue. The obverse bust is that seen on the Rosa Sine Spina issues. The reverse is a pattern form of the standard type with Hibernia seated left, her left arm resting on the harp, her right hand holding a palm branch. Both sides are toned in a rich even and pleasing medium brown. The fields are smooth, hard and show some bright reflectivity remaining. There is a small edge chip which is not noticeable when the coin is viewed but when held on edge can be seen just above George's head. The centers are sharp, as expected, with full detail showing in the king's hair behind his head and in the deepest recesses of Hibernia's figure on the back. Described by Boyd on his collector's ticket as ''1724 WOOD Farthing. Pattern. Obv. Type ROSA.SINA.SPINA. Rev. Date in exergue. Proof.'' Exceptionally rare: missing from the Norweb, Garrett, and Roper sales. Taxay (C363) thought it was unique and Breen forgot to list it in 1988 (although he had seen and attributed it decades earlier). None sold publicly in nearly a century as far as the cataloguer can determine. Only one other known in this metal, the wide planchet proof permanently impounded in Oxford University's Heberden Coin Room.
Ex E.H.A. sale (February 2, 1914, lot 19); F.C.C. Boyd Estate. Said ex Philip Nelson by Boyd.
| |
|
