1722 Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny. Martin 3.7-Ba.1, W-12670. Rarity-6. SP-65 BN (PCGS).124.7 grains. Coin turn. One of the finest known examples of the Harp Left type, an absolutely magnificent Woods Hibernia with a very special finish. Rich mint color embraces all design elements and contrasts boldly with glossy, lightly reflective golden brown fields. Pastel toning highlights are visible on both sides, richest at the peripheries. Some parallel pre-striking planchet striations are seen on both sides, more evident on the reverse than obverse. These are most notable in the left reverse field, but also seen around DEI and more subtly in other areas of the obverse. The strike is extremely bold, with definitive design detail on both sides and intentionally perfect centering. <p><p>While any specimen Woods Hibernia piece is an attractive and special rarity, the ones from this first year of issue must be counted as a preeminent collectible property, given their status as the earliest coin with Proof or Specimen designation that a colonial enthusiast can hope to own.<p><p>The title of Walter Breens book on Proof coins is Walter Breens <em>Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1989</em> for a reason: this coin. Breens first listings in the book are under the heading "William Woods Proofs" which he terms "among the most highly prized of American Colonials." This coin is listed as entry 22: "1722 Halfpenny, Woods HIBERNIA type, first design: harp left. Copper, Scott C340. Reliably reported to exist in proof, but I have not seen it." <p><p>We have twice offered a 1723 halfpenny in a PCGS Specimen holder, one in the 2018 Archangel sale and another in our April 2022 sale, both graded SP-64 BN (PCGS). We have never before sold a 1722 Woods Hibernia halfpenny of either type (Harp Left or Harp Right) in a Specimen holder. Seven such coins appear on the PCGS Population Report, of which none are finer than this one. This is the only example among them certified as this particular Martin variety.<p>.PCGS# 921403. NGC ID: F7HW.<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 the Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
