1787 Machins Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 17-87E, W-7920. Rarity-7. GEORGIVS III, Group II. VF Details--Damage (PCGS). 110.9 grains. A significant offering of one of the key varieties in the Machins Mills series, of which just eight or so examples are known. This is a sharp specimen despite the somewhat imperfect surfaces. The reverse, the most important side of this coin since the obverse is a common die in other marriages, is mostly smooth chocolate-brown with excellent definition. The date is complete and especially bold, the shield lines are nicely formed, and the legend is complete though the tops of NIA are at the rim. A few specks of green corrosion are present, though only the spot at BR of BRITANNIA affects a major design element. The large die break that undoubtedly caused the death of this die is present, from the rim between TA of BRITANNIA all the way to the bulge at central reverse. The obverse is not as nice as the reverse, with some scattered corrosion and planchet flaws, but the bust and legends are intact and the overall visual appeal is still decent. A great opportunity for advanced specialists to add a Vlack number that very few collectors can possess.<p> PCGS# 826957. <strong>To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click<a href="https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection/"target=’_blank’> here.</a></strong> From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Albany Collection (Mike Ringo); McCawley & Grellmans Sixth Annual C4 Convention Sale, November 2000, lot 78; our (American Numismatic Rarities) The Old Colony Collection sale, December 2005, lot 66; Jim LaSarre, December 2009.
