1771 Contemporary Counterfeit Irish Halfpenny. George III Type. Fine-12 Cleaned, Scratches.，84.0 grains. This piece was struck from the same dies as the example that sold as lot 6015 in our (Stacks) January 2008 Americana Sale, although the detail here is appreciably sharper. King Georges portrait is almost fully outlined, digits III bold, harp partially outlined, date clear. Scattered pitting and several scratches are noted for both sides, the texture a bit glossy from an old, light cleaning. The surfaces, however, are retoning quite nicely in golden-brown. This is one of the crudest types in the contemporary counterfeit Irish halfpenny series, and it is also notable for using a date -- 1771 -- that was not used for genuine George III Irish coppers. The obverse portrait faces the wrong way when compared to genuine pieces, and the legends are at the opposite borders. An intriguing -- and rare -- piece that holds considerable appeal for specialists.Paper envelope with collector notes included.
