1724 Rosa Americana Pattern Twopence. Martin 5.1-H.1, W-1358. Rarity-7. Unc Details--Devices Outlined (PCGS). 199.3 grains. First in an incredible run of the esteemed and very rare 1724 twopence patterns, containing all five pieces that appeared in the Ford sale. These impressive pieces have always been highly prized by collectors of the series. They feature the distinctive and well executed obverse bust used only on special pattern or presentation issues of the Woods series, here majestic in the large format of the twopence. They are desirable as well for their 1724 date, as all of the regular issue twopence bear either a 1722, 1723, or no date at all, and so they are sought by collectors pursuing a date set of the denomination. This is a lovely specimen, one of the higher grade ones extant. Glossy, unworn dark chocolate-brown surfaces with some hints of brassy yellow in the legends. Choice in appearance despite some barely noticeable scratches outlining the profile of King George, and we note some minor, natural surface pitting in the fields and a carefully tooled area over CA of AMERICANA, probably to remove a minor corrosion spot common to these Bath metal planchets. Excellent strike and centering as usual for the issue, slight weakness only at the border dentils of the obverse at 9 oclock. Overall a gorgeous looking specimen.<p>There are just seven examples currently accounted for of the Martin 5.1-H.1 variety, including six Bath metal pieces and one special silver or silvered example which is the lot to follow. Across the two varieties that comprise the 1724 twopence date, no more than a dozen are known in total. Several of this variety are worn and this piece is among the best two or three seen. It compares favorably with the Robison-Archangel specimen graded PCGS SP-61 that we sold in our October 2018 Baltimore Auction for $31,200. That piece did not have the minor condition issues as noted above, but it was a bit darker in color, not as well struck, and somewhat rougher in texture on the reverse. The only other UNC listed in Syds census is the G.J. Bauer-Roper coin which appears choice and is probably the finest known. This one boasts exceptional provenance and a lovely overall appearance, and would make a proud addition to a high end cabinet. PCGS# 905741. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Sothebys sale of the J.B. Caldecott Collection, June 1912, lot 363 (plated), via Spink & Son, Ltd.; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Virgil M. Brand Collection, Part II, June 1984, lot 950; our (Stacks) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part IX, May 2005, lot 186; Christopher B. Young, November 2006. Plated in Philip Nelsons "The Coinage of William Wood, 1722-1733" Plate II, no. 10. Plated in A Guide Book of United States Coins. Plated in the Martin reference "The Rosa Americana Coinage of William Wood," pp. 291, 323.
