1773 Virginia Halfpenny. Newman 5-B, W-1410. Rarity-6. No Period After GEORGIVS, 6 Harp Strings--Clipped Planchet--MS-65 BN (PCGS).An extraordinary error for the series and in a wonderful Gem Mint State level of preservation. Struck on a massively clipped planchet, the errant planchet cutter punch lopping off about 20% of the planchet used to strike this coin. A surprisingly dramatic and obvious mint error to have survived the normal high quality production of the Tower Mint, though a handful of other similar severely clipped planchet have been observed on Virginia halfpennies (a few those also double or triple struck, probably a result of the unusual planchet shape causing the coins to not properly eject from the dies). This coin has lovely lustrous surfaces, predominantly medium brown but with quite a bit of mint red in protected areas. Choice in appearance with no abrasions to point out and just a few insignificant toning spots. Includes a circular collectors ticket, presumably from before Kreisberg handled the coins, with price in pounds and a British rarity rating of "RRR," suggesting this piece originated outside the Cohen hoard. An exciting offering for Virginia halfpenny collectors or colonial error enthusiasts.PCGS# 913274.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Abner Kreisberg, November 1961; Heritages sale of the W. Philip Keller Collection, October 2010, lot 3141.
