Hibernia Copper Farthings 1723-1724

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1723        Martin 2-Bc                         Hibernia Farthing

Obverse:  GEORGIUS . DEI   .   GRATIA . REX .
Reverse:  HIBERNIA . 1723 .

Weight:  54.7 g   (3.54 grams)                  Diameter:  22.0 mm

Comments:  This is a variety of Breen 170. This variety of obverse (called obverse 2) is identified in that there is a significant amount of empty space on either side of the stop between DEI and GRATIA. In obverse 3 (example below) there is less blank space on either side of the stop. The reverse is the 1723 harp right version, identified as die B because there is no stop before H in the legend. This is found in four subtypes based on the number of strings on the harp (9-12), this example is subtype c as it has eleven harp strings.

On the obverse there is a major die break from the rim above the upper stop causing significant deterioration of the GRAT in GRATIA. The break is rather thick to the I then it becomes a hairline from the I and passes through the a, ending just to the left of the top of the R in REX. Another die crack moves from the end of the O and goes through the R and G ending at the rim above the I in GEORGIUS. On the reverse a crack moves from the rim just to the left of the R and ends after passing through Hibernia's hand. Another die crack moves from the center of the N to the top of the 7 in the date. Another crack moves from just to the right of the bottom of the 1 continuing through the lower portion of the date and ending below the final stop. A final lighter die crack (barely visible on the scan) moves from the rim above the 2, through the top of the 3 and ends just to after passing through the center of the final stop. This reverse die also exhibits many pit marks resulting in several small blotches or raised spots on the surface, primarily on the left half of the coin.

Provenance:  From the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Collection.

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1723        Martin 3-Bb                         Hibernia Farthing

Obverse:  GEORGIUS . DEI . GRATIA . REX .
Reverse:  HIBERNIA . 1723 .

Weight:  58.6 g   (3.80 grams)                  Diameter:  22.1 mm

Comments:  This is a variety of Nelson 7 and Breen 172. This variety of obverse (called obverse 3) is identified in that in the legend is stop between DEI and GRATIA is close to the words. In obverse 2 there is more blank space on either side of the stop. The reverse is the 1723 harp right version, identified as die B because there is no stop before H in the legend. This is found in four subtypes based on the number of strings on the harp (9-12), this example is subtype b as it has ten harp strings. This example was struck slightly off center. Also on the reverse note that above and to the right of the A in HIBERNIA at the rim there is a die crack that travels down through the 172 in the date from the 2 it continues as a hairline to the start of the top of the 3. On the obverse note that the initial G leans to the left.

Provenance:  From the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Collection.

Rosa Americana Coppers	Section Contents	Hibernia Coppers: p.2