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Whats wrong with this Heritage Palm Beach lot description?
ColonialCoinUnion
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1723 1/2P Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver MS63 PCGS. Dies of Nelson-8, Breen 156. This rare, off-metal striking is characterized by no pellet before the H, which distinguishes it from the similar Nelson-5 that does have a pellet before the H. Otherwise, this pattern is similar to the adopted design with the obverse legend reading GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX . and the reverse with the legend HIBERNIA . J723.
This silver pattern is simply listed in Breen as "Ex. rare." It is, in fact, unlisted in Nelson, except for the common copper impressions. No examples were in Norweb, Garrett, or the Roper sales. The only other piece we are aware of was the Ford coin, and that example had not been offered at public auction since 1915. This is definitely not the Ford coin as it lacks the planchet flaw in the upper obverse field seen on that piece. This specimen is arguably even finer than the Ford-Boyd-Spink coin as it is perfectly centered with complete (although occasionally indistinct) denticles on each side. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are sharply defined with bold detailing on the king's hair and full, individually separated harp strings on the reverse. Attractive rose toning is seen on the obverse with occasional dabs of cobalt-blue around the margin, while the reverse is mostly gray-lilac with an undertone of rose and deep blue around the periphery.
This piece presents the Colonial collector with a rare opportunity to acquire a coin that most specialists will never have the chance to add to their collection. Probably only two examples exist of this important rarity.
1723 1/2P Hibernia Pattern Halfpenny, Silver MS63 PCGS. Dies of Nelson-8, Breen 156. This rare, off-metal striking is characterized by no pellet before the H, which distinguishes it from the similar Nelson-5 that does have a pellet before the H. Otherwise, this pattern is similar to the adopted design with the obverse legend reading GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX . and the reverse with the legend HIBERNIA . J723.
This silver pattern is simply listed in Breen as "Ex. rare." It is, in fact, unlisted in Nelson, except for the common copper impressions. No examples were in Norweb, Garrett, or the Roper sales. The only other piece we are aware of was the Ford coin, and that example had not been offered at public auction since 1915. This is definitely not the Ford coin as it lacks the planchet flaw in the upper obverse field seen on that piece. This specimen is arguably even finer than the Ford-Boyd-Spink coin as it is perfectly centered with complete (although occasionally indistinct) denticles on each side. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are sharply defined with bold detailing on the king's hair and full, individually separated harp strings on the reverse. Attractive rose toning is seen on the obverse with occasional dabs of cobalt-blue around the margin, while the reverse is mostly gray-lilac with an undertone of rose and deep blue around the periphery.
This piece presents the Colonial collector with a rare opportunity to acquire a coin that most specialists will never have the chance to add to their collection. Probably only two examples exist of this important rarity.
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Oops.
Betts medals, colonial coins, US Mint medals, foreign coins found in early America, and other numismatic Americana
And for extra credit, tell us in which auction this coin last appeared.
The first screw up was PCGS's, but it's forgiveable: there is a mechanical error on the holder that calls it a halfpenny (1/2d) instead of a farthing (1/4d).
The second screw up was the cataloguer writing it up as if it was a very rare silver halfpenny instead of a relatively common silver farthing. A halfpenny would be a big deal, but several silver farthings transact a year. Further, you see the copper ones all the time, enough that the denomination should be plainly obvious. This is sort of like cataloguing an 1804 dime as an 1804 dollar -- both have the same designs after all, the only difference in size (and price and rarity).
This looks like Ford VII: Lot 68, which sold in January 2005 to a dealer for $20,000 plus 15%. The image quality is not good enough to be certain, but that's what it looks like to me.
I'm stunned a cataloguer could look up Norweb, Roper, Garrett etc and never notice that this thing is a totally different size!
OK CCU, did I pass?
Betts medals, colonial coins, US Mint medals, foreign coins found in early America, and other numismatic Americana
This is not a Ford coin, it is actually Bower's March 1996 Sebring & Garbe lot #1028.
I'm going to excuse you on that, however, as you don't have access to a numismatic library quite as large as mine
Unlike journalists, I don't get paid for pointing out other people's mistakes!
Oh yeah, and don't forget to tell the kids that since this variety of silver farthing is a hoard coin, many of them have nearly identical color and the same sort of marks, generally light hairlines.
Betts medals, colonial coins, US Mint medals, foreign coins found in early America, and other numismatic Americana
<< <i>Heritage just cancelled the lot. >>
That actually surprises me.
Very interesting and informative thread! Thanks guys.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
1766 FARTH Pitt Farthing, Silver Plated--Corroded--NCS. AU Details. Breen-252. Double struck in collar with peripheral legends doubled on both sides. A richly detailed example of this scarce Early American issue. Plating is intact across portions of the field, while other areas are granular. Listed on page 48 of the 2006 Guide Book.
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<< <i>Heritage just cancelled the lot. >>
That actually surprises me. >>
Why would this surprise you? Heritage is a reputable company and trys to do the right thing. It's just good business.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.