Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Farthing. Martin 8a.3-Da.5, W-11500. Rarity-5. Copper. Martlet Alone Below King. EF-45 (PCGS). 101.3 grains. A remarkably high grade St. Patrick farthing and fantastic example of the popular Martlet type. Chocolate-brown surfaces retain a good bit of their original mint surface and actually display a slight cartwheel effect around the peripheries thanks to the flowlined late die state. A well preserved coin with no consequential marks or roughness, just light wear across the highest points of the design. Nicely centered and the strike was bold. Certain details are somewhat mushy or faded due to the advanced state of the dies, and the fields show an irregular texture due to apparent die rust, tiny breaks, and flowlines. The high technical grade and choice surfaces make the die state fascinating to study and the overall eye appeal is impressive. A relatively available die variety in the context of the St. Patrick farthing series, but this exceptional piece is certainly among the Condition Census. The only superior example we have seen was a beautiful PCGS AU-50 coin that we sold as part of the Archangel Collection in October 2018 for $31,200. The present Martin coin, graded slightly lower but with the technical quality and luster of an AU, is certainly one the highest grade Martlet farthings available to collectors. Obverse and reverse plated in the Martin reference to illustrate the dies. PCGS# 902856. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Jim LaSarre, December 2009.
