1722/1-H Sou, or 9 Deniers. La Rochelle Mint. Martin 2.13-C.3, W-11835. EF-45 (PCGS). 89.0 grains. Superb light brown with glossy surfaces that retain traces of luster. Very bold, well struck, traces of die finish lines still apparent. A little low spot is seen above ON of COLONIES, two tiny nicks on central reverse device at left top L, essentially problem-free, very choice in appearance. The obverse legend is complete and well-centered, just a bit close at MEN. Sharply struck and well centered, the reverse shows a section of denticles from 6 oclock to 9 oclock. We last offered this piece near 8 years ago in our November 2012 sale of the impressive Ted Craige Collection, where it brought $11,162.50 in lot 6261. Craige called this die pair 17-Q. This was the best of his relatively small collection of 1722/1 overdates, showing more of the underdigit than on most obverse dies, visible to the naked eye. Specialist Bob Vlack mentioned in July 1993 that he had recorded eight different 1722/1 overdate dies, though Breen notes "3 vars" in his <em>Encyclopedia </em>description of the overdate variety, Breen-262. More recently, researcher Sydney Martin was able to identify 23 distinct die pairs that feature the overdate, comprising his variety groups 2.x-C.x and 3.x-C.x. This piece is a prime addition to an advanced collection and ranks among the finest examples known. It sits on the top of the PCGS Population Report for the 1722/1-H overdate variety. Ex our sale of the Ted L. Craige Collection, November 2012, lot 6261.
