1722 Wood’s Hibernia halfpenny. Martin 3.7-Ba.1, W-12670. Rarity-5. Harp Left. AU-58 (PCGS).110.6 grains. An unusually high grade example of the Harp Left type, a one-year design that isnt terribly rare overall but is almost always found with significant circulation. This variety is an example of Martins "Large Bust," with a taller portrait of George I than usually encountered. The surfaces are smooth and glossy, toned to pleasing chestnut brown with a few hints of faded mint color adhering to some devices. The centering is ideal and the strike is sharp. Some natural diagonal planchet striations are seen at centers, on the highest relief of the portrait on the obverse, subtly present in the fields around the central device on the reverse. A microscopic flaw softens the strike atop S of GEORGIUS, but no post-striking issues are seen. A few flakes of old red wax are seen on the obverse, but they are inert and harmless. The superb Craige collection of Woods Hibernias did not have anyHarp Left halfpence this nice.<p>PCGS Population: 13; 21 finer.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stacks sale of September 1975, lot 461.
