1760 Voce Populi/Hibernia halfpenny, “VOOE” variety
lordmarcovan
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These coppers were originally issued for Ireland (“Hibernia” is the old Latin name for Ireland.) Like William Wood’s earlier Hibernia coins, these Voce Populi pieces are traditionally associated with colonial America and catalogued with American colonial coins, though they likely saw only limited use in North America. Still, they would probably have been familiar to our Founding Fathers as part of the wide assortment of British coppers that circulated in the colonies at the time.
“VOCE POPULI” means “by the voice of the people”, which seems an apt phrase considering the era, just slightly before the American Revolution.
This particular subtype is referred to as the “VOOE” variety, since the C in “VOCE” looks like a second O.
I’ve wanted a Voce Populi for a while, and was happy to acquire this About Uncirculated example with nice surfaces.
Comments
Very nice.
Post your Hibernias, be they Voce Populis or otherwise. Here’s my proof 1805 Irish halfpenny.
😎, i like 👍
I've had this one a long time, pretty worn down but with the mysterious P under the bust.
A re-cut P at that.
Interesting coins. I've not even dabbled with colonials, but they are intriguing.
Thanks for pointing that out. On the rev I also see the H looks like it was punched over something else.
Wow, nice clean example!
Not the best photos, but here's mine.
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There seem to be two different schools of thought on what exactly the the people were voicing! The obverse legend VOCE POPULI was substituted for the regal title and the reverse design of Hibernia seated is somewhat similar to the English copper.
The first opinion is that it represents a voicing of Irish continuing support for the Stuart pretender to the English throne Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie).
The alternate interpretation is that because regal coppers had not been issued since 1755, there was a shortage of coins and the 'voice of the people' refers to their need for change.
Whatever the people were saying--great coin!
Both beauties!