1771 Contemporary Counterfeit English Halfpenny. George III Type of 1770-1775. Double Reverse. Very Good. 126.6 grains. An exciting and interesting "two tailed" counterfeit halfpenny, struck from two highly similar (but obviously different) dies, both dated 1771. Smooth chocolate brown with lots of even wear. These two-tailed pieces are quite scarce and are produced by two different methods. One is when a coin is carefully, and probably purposefully struck twice with the same die on two different sides, as with the double obverse also in this sale. The other way is when two different dies of the same side are mounted in the press, whether accidentally or purposefully. This is a very pleasing example of the second method of production. From our (Stacks) sale of the Michael K. Ringo Collection, January 2008, lot 5865; our Baltimore Auction of June 2013, lot 243.
