1774 Machins Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 5-74A, W-7760. Rarity-3. GEORGIVS III, Group I. EF-45 (PCGS).121.0 grains. An outstanding example of the date and variety. While 5-74A is a somewhat common coin, it becomes quite scarce in grades better than VF. The Howes, Rosen, Trudgen reference lists a Condition Census from VF-30 and EF-40. Lovely, original surfaces are medium chocolate-brown in color with tan undertones. Pleasantly glossy with a slightly frosty character as well, there is no roughness and just a few small marks and scratches on the reverse. The slightly sharper Garrett coin in the same grade holder realized $2,880 in our November 2020 Auction. This piece has preferable color.PCGS# 826948.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Murray, March 1994.