Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Farthing. Martin 1c.22-Ba.9, W-11500. Rarity-7-. Copper. Nothing Below King--Counterstamped--Very Fine.88.5 grains. The central obverse is counterstamped IC, the letters entered vertically into the coin. The host coin is pleasingly original in preservation with glints of olive-gray patina in the protected areas, lighter golden-brown elsewhere. The brass plug is well centered over and around the crown, the antique gold color remaining bold. The strike is trivially off center to the lower left obverse, lower right reverse, affecting only the borders. All major design elements are at least partially appreciable, this despite more extensive wear in the center of the reverse, the result of bulging caused by the counterstamp. Light pitting in and around the central reverse, yet free of significant circulation marks. According to Sydney F. Martin in the excellent reference <em>Saint Patrick Coinage</em> (2018), counterstamps are rarely encountered on St. Patrick coinage, always on farthings, never on halfpennies. When encountered, these counterstamps are usually "crude initials struck from individual letter punches," as here. This particular IC counterstamp is not pictured in the Martin reference, and it is also unlisted in the Brunk reference, so its meaning and purpose can only be surmised. An intriguing piece, and clearly worthy of additional study.Collector envelope included.
