1778 Machins Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 11-78A, W-7820. Rarity-3. GEORGIVS III, Group III. AU-58 BN (PCGS).83.5 grains. Lovely light brown and reddish-tan surfaces with an abundance of mint frost in the fields and nearly unbroken glossy luster covering the devices. No contact marks or really any signs of handling. Given the Uncirculated condition of almost all coins found in the Stepney hoard, its likely this coin was new when stored away in that group, and it could certainly qualify for a Mint State grade based on its appearance today. Very well struck from a fairly crisp, early state of the dies and perfectly centered on the planchet. Curved planchet clip which affects just the tops of two letters on each side. Fabulous overall quality, eye appeal, and provenance.PCGS# 826952.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Stepney Hoard; Stacks (privately), August 1962; Heritages sale of the W. Philip Keller Collection, October 2010, lot 3268; Anthony Terranova; Stacks Bowers Galleries (privately), February 2011.
