1760 Voce Populi Halfpenny. Nelson-4, Zelinka 2-A, W-13820. Rarity-3. Older Head. MS-63 BN (PCGS).98.6 grains. A far earlier die state than the Ford specimen in the preceding lot, the smooth, almost prooflike obverse fields preserving the fine lathe turn and other tiny die preparation marks that are seen only on high grade examples of the earlier die state. Just a hint of the spalling around OPULI and at base of bust are seen on this coin, in a state well before the spalling spiraled out of control. Lustrous and glossy light brown surfaces are golden-brown in the areas where the original mint color was last to fade, most obviously at right obverse and reverse. Measuring 28.6 mm in diameter, this coin was undoubtedly struck on a flan that was so soft that it spread widely during striking. The coin at first blush is a near twin to the Norweb coin in terms of die state and centering, and the overall appearance is of a higher grade, though we note a few minor marks in the left reverse field and along the lower right reverse periphery. An impressive coin by all accounts and a piece that in 1968 Lester Merkin considered the finest known of all Voce Populi halfpence.PCGS# 924014. NGC ID: 2AUC.<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 from Lester Merkins sale of June 1968, lot 71; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
