1785 Contemporary Imitation Halfpenny. George III English Type. Newman 52-85D. VF-30.112.8 grains. Extremely rare, as are all 1785-dated contemporary counterfeit halfpence, which are spread among an incredible 10 die combinations of 4 obverse and 4 reverse dies. A case was made by Eric Newman in an article in the 1988 <em>ANS Museum Notes</em> for the British manufacture and American circulation of the 1785-dated English counterfeit halfpence, although no conclusive evidence has come to light in support of the theory. His documenting of the die varieties of the 1785 halfpence, however, has made them eminently collectible! Light golden tan and very attractive, the surfaces smoothly worn and displaying a few minor verdigris spots. Dark chocolate brown and glossy, the obverse with some buildup in the letters of the legends, the reverse 3 widely separate green pits. Seated Britannia a bit soft at the center due to die polish and soft strike. We are not aware of any examples of this die combination sold in the auction market since Mike Ringos collection of 1785s were sold in the 1998 C-4 Sale.
