1772 Machins Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 6-72A, W-7720. Rarity-6. GEORGIVS III, Group I. EF-45 (PCGS).117.3 grains. A remarkable specimen with sharp, little worn detail and pleasing light steel-brown color. Some planchet roughness is seen at the centers of each side which is just the remnant of original planchet texture where the deeply cut dies did not fully smooth out the metal upon strike. There is very little in the way of post-strike circulation marks or other damage. From a very late state of the dies with the large die break on the branch hand seen on the previous lot and additionally a sizable cud at IT of BRITANNIA. An even later state of this reverse is illustrated in the Howes, Rosen, Trudgen reference. This is a desirable piece for advanced specialists in the series, but also a significant example of the date, being tied with just one other coin for finest graded of the entire 1772 date at PCGS.PCGS# 826941.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Mike Wierzba, August 2013.
