1775 Contemporary Counterfeit Halfpenny. George III English Type. AK-9. Backwards S, “5” in drapery. EF-45.，122.4 grains. Glossy chestnut brown surfaces define what is one of the nicest examples we have ever seen of this iconic variety featuring the crude die work and distinct, small backwards S in GEORGIVS, for which it is well known. What is not well known is that there is a very distinct and unmistakable "5" just above the globe and to the right of the staff that Britannia holds; the "5" is from the same exact punch as the "5" in the date, and could easily be mistaken for folds in her drapery. The number is too sharp, well formed, and well-placed to be accidental, so this might be some sort of identifying mark of the counterfeiter. Another anomaly we have not noted in the past is that the first N of BRITANNIA appears to be punched over another letter. Sharp, well-centered and bearing just a few marks of circulation, this coin may very well be one of the finest known of the die combination; it is a hair sharper than the gorgeous front line Ringo coin, lot 5941 in our January 2008 sale of his collection.Ex Stacks Americana Sale, January 2012, lot 7492.
