Great Britain: George I brass proof or pattern Halfpenny 1722,...

Description

George I brass proof or pattern Halfpenny 1722, S3660 for type, P801 (as EXR), PR61 NGC Cheshire Collection, presumably Plain Edge (not visible in the slab, unfortunately), a handsome piece indeed with reddish surfaces, clear bold impression of the dies, each side centered with sharp inner circles surrounded by broad denticles at the rims. This was an experimental piece made of 85% copper and 15% zinc, which produced the unusual eye appeal seen in this specimen. At the time it was produced, the Royal Mint seems to have been seeking an alternative to the copper coinage then being made, which often had cracks and other flaws, but it must be presumed that the brass was considered, ultimately, to be too expensive, and hence the idea was discarded, leaving students of coinage history with only a few known examples, including one in the British Museum. Ex Rev Rogers, Peck & Norweb. An important coin. Value is hard to assign.
From the Donald H. Kagin Collection.

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

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