1773 Virginia Halfpenny. Newman 15-D, W-1500. Rarity-6+. No Period After GEORGIVS, 7 Harp Strings. AU-58 (PCGS).118.1 grains. Softly lustrous olive-brown and tan surfaces with a just a light touch of wear on the high points. Nice eye appeal and high quality surfaces, a thin scratch in the obverse field off the chin is the only mark of note. This was a very early purchase of Syds from a local coin shop, the first Virginia halfpenny he collected and acquisition #9 of his vast colonial holdings. Evidently it was beginners luck, as this is a superb, Condition Census example of a very rare and condition sensitive variety. This variety was unknown to Newman at the time of his 1956 ANS publication and discovered by Richard Picker sometime prior to 1962. The discovery coin, sold to Ted Craige, graded just Fine with problems. Here is a wonderful piece for specialists.PCGS# 913246.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Edelmans (Jenkintown, PA), September 1992.
