Great Britain: Charles II Pattern Halfpenny ND (1665),...

Description

Charles II Pattern Halfpenny ND (1665), P404, copper (very scarce), PR55 BN NGC, a handsome example of the prototype for S3393, the accepted design bearing the date in the reverse exergue, where on this pattern appears BRITANNIA in tiny capital letters, and the reverse legend in Latin on this piece (translating to "I claim the four seas) being seen as a bit pretentious was replaced by the British name formerly occupying the date's position, this specimen exhibiting pleasing medium chocolate-brown color, the obverse choice with a lovely albeit slightly shallow portrait, reverse having some die-cracks and related flaws, light bright scratch in the center, surfaces showing some debris among the legends indicative of a nice original piece. The grading insert notes the approximate date of issue as being 1670, which is a possibility, although Peck says these pieces were struck in 1665 (page 107, 2nd edition), but clearly patterns were struck over a period of time until the first commercial halfpenny was minted in 1672. This specimen is a cut above most similar pieces seen.

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

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