1720s Twopence Rosa Americana

Coin Details

Description

This Rosa Americana Twopence is attributed broadly to the 1720s, representing the standard issue of the largest denomination in William Wood's colonial coinage series. The Twopence was the heaviest and most substantial coin in the Rosa Americana series, which also included Penny and Halfpenny denominations. The obverse features a laureate bust of George I facing right with the legend GEORGIVS D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA: ET: HIB: REX, identifying the monarch as King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. The reverse displays the series' defining device: a large crowned Tudor rose with the motto ROSA AMERICANA VTILE DVLCI, translating to "American Rose, the useful with the pleasant." Struck in Bath metal, Wood's proprietary alloy with a golden hue, the Twopence was intended as a practical medium-denomination coin for everyday colonial commerce. The series was authorized under a royal patent granted in 1722, though production continued through 1724 with some pattern issues extending to 1733. Despite government backing, the coins faced resistance from colonists who distrusted their intrinsic value, and from local merchants who preferred Spanish silver and other established trade coins. The Twopence denomination, being the highest value, would have been the most commercially useful of the series had it achieved widespread acceptance. Today it is among the more available Rosa Americana types, though still scarce in higher grades.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. More available than some of the rarer die varieties but still a genuine colonial issue that commands collector interest. Higher-grade examples are difficult to locate.

Cross References

PCGS #95; Rosa Americana series; Wood's Patent coinage