1773 Virginia Halfpenny. Newman 7-D, W-1480. Rarity-2. No Period After GEORGIVS, 7 Harp Strings. MS-65 BN (PCGS).，This simply lovely Virginia halfpenny is satiny and smooth, with handsome copper-brown patina. Subtle semi-reflectivity and faint powder blue and pale rose undertones add to the appeal. Fully struck, expertly preserved and a delight to behold, this coin should attract strong bidding when it crosses the auction block.<p>Although the April 10, 1606, charter that King James granted to Virginia gave the colony coinage privileges, it was not until December 20, 1769, that the Virginia House of Burgesses passed an act allocating money for the minting of copper coins in Britain. The act was the result of increasing pressure from tradesmen in the colony who sought copper coins to be used in commerce, as the mix of English, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch pieces that were dominant at the time were seen as inadequate. The final design was approved in 1772, and on May 20, 1773, the English crown authorized the coinage of halfpennies for Virginia. The coins were struck in the Royal Mint in the Tower of London. The Virginia halfpence are, in fact, the only coins authorized and produced in England for use in an American colony.<p>Newman 7-D is the most available die marriage of the No Period After GEORGIVS <em>Guide Book</em> variety, and a number of Mint State examples are known from the famous Mendes I. Cohen hoard. Few are as technically sound and aesthetically appealing as this beautiful Gem, however, making this a strong candidate for an advanced type or variety set.，PCGS# 243. NGC ID: 2ATK.，，From the LJV Philadelphia Collection. Earlier from Pine Tree Auctions Promised Lands Sale, 1974, lot 240.
