Undated (ca. 1652-1674) St. Patrick Halfpenny. Martin 5-D, W-11540. Rarity-5-. Small Letters. VF-20 (PCGS). 137.2 grains. Choice, glossy light-brown surfaces, the sort of color and surface quality that many circulated St. Patrick halfpennies are blessed with and which adds to their popularity and charm. Pleasing fullness of detail and good centering, with bold legends and strong motifs throughout. The brass splasher is small but vivid in color and sits toward the upper left of the crown. Just a lovely, trouble-free VF example. Syd called obverse 5 a "Medium Letters" variety, and although tradition has been to split the halfpennies into just two groups, Small Letters and Large Letters, there may actually be three or four different size letter punches to account for across the five obverse dies. PCGS# 902845. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex William T. Anton, Jr.; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
