1722 Penny Rosa Americana - Copper Martin 2.29-A.2

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,280 VF25 11-09-2022 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1722 Rosa Americana Penny in copper is identified by the Martin attribution 2.29-A.2, indicating a specific obverse and reverse die combination catalogued in John Martin's reference work on the Rosa Americana series. The Martin numbering system provides a precise framework for identifying the numerous die varieties within this complex series. The obverse features the laureate bust of George I with the royal legend, while the reverse displays the crowned Tudor rose and ROSA AMERICANA VTILE DVLCI. This particular penny is struck in copper rather than the standard Bath metal alloy, which indicates it may be a trial or off-metal striking, or it may represent a period when Wood's works used copper blanks instead of the proprietary alloy. The Penny denomination occupied the middle position in the Rosa Americana series between the Halfpenny and Twopence. At the time, a penny had meaningful purchasing power for basic goods in colonial commerce. William Wood's patent from George I authorized the production of these coins for American colonial use, and the 1722 date marks the inaugural year of the series. The Martin 2.29-A.2 die combination represents one specific pairing among the many known for 1722 pennies, and die variety collecting within the Rosa Americana series has become an active specialization among colonial numismatists.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Copper strikings of the Rosa Americana Penny are significantly scarcer than Bath metal examples. The specific Martin 2.29-A.2 die pairing adds further rarity.

Cross References

PCGS #905759; NGC #108049; Martin 2.29-A.2; cf. PCGS #108 (GEORGIVS Copper), PCGS #113 (UTILE)