Kilkenny Blacksmith's Halfcrown --Ireland
TPRC
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Earlier this year, my favorite dealer offered me an Irish Blacksmith's Halfcrown. Not knowing anything about the piece, and considering the cost, I passed. However, as an avid collector of Irish coinage, I began to research this item and found that it is a tough item indeed. I also found a beautiful one for sale at the April 2014 Central States Heritage auction, apparently much nicer than the piece which was offered to me and with an estimated price also less than the piece offered to me. I never bid sight unseen, but I couldn't find a knowledgeable friend to preview the coin so I decided to try to buy it sight unseen. The estimate was $2000-$2500 and I figured I could snag it, but nice, scarce coins get lots of attention and the coin opened at about $2000, quickly went above my limit, and settled at about $7600 with BP. I immediately called my dealer friend, who was aware of the coin and auction, and purchased the coin below, raw. I just received it back from our hosts. It is a favorite of mine and while clearly crude, unevenly struck, and off center, it is wholly original, which is unusual, and very pleasing to me. I've seen a few nicer, including the Heritage coin, and a coin from an earlier Goldberg auction, but there do not appear to be many wholesome pieces extant. It is in a PCGS VF-30 holder, which appears about right, and looks to be the first one graded by PCGS. Comments welcome.
Tom
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BTW, the Heritage piece was dramatically under-graded. I considered the piece to be nearly mint state. (I've seen a couple dozen of these over the years, and am confident in my opinion.)
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<< <i>Nice coin!
BTW, the Heritage piece was dramatically under-graded. I considered the piece to be nearly mint state. (I've seen a couple dozen of these over the years, and am confident in my opinion.) >>
It sure looked nicer than 45 from the pic, but I am always hesitant with NGC graded coins, I was concerned that it was too light, and I didn't love what appeared to be some reverse marks, or die lines or scratches. Still, I have not seen any coin that approached it for quality, grade, even strike, and well-centeredness. I should have called you, Andy.
Tom