1795 Washington Liberty and Security Halfpenny. Musante GW-48, Baker-31C, W-11000. Plain Edge. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.A handsome deep copper example with glints of lighter reddish-brown toning intermingled throughout the obverse. The central design elements are generally bold, although we note the expected softness to the high points of Washingtons bust and the reverse eagle. All peripheral devices are at least partially discernible, but the obverse border is flush with the tops of the letters HIN in WASHINGTON, reverse border through the letters URITY in SECURITY and all four digits in the date. This is a characteristic feature of the Plain Edge Liberty and Security halfpenny since the type was struck on slightly smaller planchet stock than the Lettered Edge pieces. Otherwise smooth in hand, accuracy does compel us to mention a few trivial verdigris specks in the upper obverse field and in the reverse field around the left corner of the shield. Part of the Conder token series, the Washington Liberty and Security halfpence and pennies were struck in England in 1795 and saw active commercial use there. The present example with a plain edge is one of the rarer variants of the halfpence, most examples of which display one of several lettered edge styles.PCGS# 752. NGC ID: 2B7P.From the Crooked River Collection. Earlier from Heritages FUN Signature Auction of January 2013, lot 3800; our sale of the Anthony Bettencourt Collection, March 2017 Baltimore Auction, lot 403.
