BRITISH WEST INDIES. Copper 1/100 Dollar Pattern, 1823. George IV. PCGS PROOF-65 Brown Gold Shield.KM-Pn4 (incorrect on PCGS insert); Prid-17; BR-862. A lovely short lived strongEXTREMELY/strong strongRARE/strong pattern only issue. This piece exhibits sharp crisp details with flashy surfaces that complement the intricate design features. Lovely orange-red and magenta tone radiate from the devices while the open areas display a cobalt sheen the accentuated the chocolate brown devices. An excellent example of the type with great eye appeal sure to catch the attention of advanced collectors.According the famed author and collector Major Fred Pridmore these copper fractional dollar piece denominated 1/50, 1/100 and 1/200 were approved in 1822 and intended for Sierra Leone, Mauritius and the West Indies. The dies were prepared by renowned engraver William Wyon and 5 tons of weight of the 1/50 value were struck, but never issued and in 1825 they were ordered to be melted down. These issues only occur as a pattern.
