Undated (1775) Contemporary Counterfeit English Halfpenny. George III Type--Overstruck on a (ca. 1797) Mail Coach Halfpenny Token--AK-26. About Uncirculated. Though the date is no longer visible due to wear and the overstriking, the halfpenny matches the dies on lot 5937 in the January 2008 sale of the Ringo Collection, which is clearly dated 1775. This overstrike, known by a small handful of examples, is popular among collectors as clear evidence that the production of backdated counterfeits continued well into the 1790s. Most known examples struck over D&H Middlesex 363 show some degree of wear, evidence that these were made for circulation rather than as cabinet fodder for contemporary trade token collectors. Golden brown and displaying smooth, trouble free wear, this is the nicest example of this incredible overstrike we have offered since we sold Ringos red-brown, Choice Mint State example for $4600 nearly 13 years ago. Steely brown, somewhat granular surfaces show ample amounts of the undertype. Also included in this lot is an Choice Mint State example of D&H Middlesex 366, a Mail Coach halfpenny with similar, but not the same designs as the host coin. (Total: 2 coins)
