1723 Woods Hibernia Farthing. Martin 2.1-Bc.1, W-12350. Rarity-5. DEI. GRATIA. REX. MS-63 BN (PCGS). This handsome example exhibits a hard satiny texture to both sides. Warmly patinated in even medium brown, razor sharp to full striking detail is also worthy of praise. A thin, shallow reverse planchet flaw that bisects the letter N in HIBERNIA is as made; there are no detracting blemishes in hand. At nearly the same time that he received a patent from the English crown to produce his Rosa Americana coinage for the American colonies, William Wood received a second patent to strike copper coinage for circulation in Ireland. Wood was a metallurgist living in Stafford, England and had expressed interest in producing coins for the crown as early as 1717. He received his patent for the Irish coinage from King George I on June 16, 1722 (it was not ratified until July 22 of that year). Coinage began in 1722 and continued through 1724, with examples produced in farthing and halfpenny denominations. They proved extremely unpopular in Ireland, however, where the coins were viewed as having been produced without local consent and for Woods personal profit, largely utilizing underweight planchets. Although not originally intended for circulation in the American colonies like his Rosa Americana coinage, many of Woods Hibernia coppers found their way across the Atlantic after being rejected in Ireland. As such, the series has long been viewed as an integral part of the early American coinage family. We are pleased to present this 1723 halfpenny for the consideration of advanced collectors. It is a lovely Choice Mint State coin, worthy of the strongest bid.
