1723 Farth Hibernia - Silver

Coin Details

Auction Record

$25,300 GEM UNC 01-01-2005 Stack's

Description

This 1723 Wood's Hibernia Farthing struck in silver is a special issue, produced as a presentation piece, pattern, or collector's specimen rather than for general circulation. The standard Hibernia coinage was struck in copper, making this silver example a significant departure from the norm. The obverse features the laureate bust of George I facing right with the royal legend, while the reverse shows the seated Hibernia with her harp and the HIBERNIA legend dated 1723. Silver strikings of Wood's Hibernia coins were produced in very small quantities for presentation to government officials, members of the royal court, or other notables connected to the patent coinage venture. Such off-metal strikings were a common practice in eighteenth-century coinage, where special examples in precious metals served as samples, gifts, or promotional pieces. The silver composition would have given the farthing substantially more intrinsic value than its copper counterpart, making it unsuitable for face-value circulation but ideal as a cabinet piece or memento. William Wood distributed silver examples to demonstrate the quality of his die work and production capabilities to patrons and officials whose continued support was important to the success of his coinage ventures in both Ireland and America. The silver farthing represents the intersection of numismatic commerce and political patronage in Georgian-era England.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver strikings of Wood's Hibernia farthings are known in very small numbers and are highly prized by colonial specialists.

Cross References

PCGS #179; NGC #108073; Breen; Nelson; cf. PCGS #173 (D:G:REX copper), PCGS #176 (DEI.GRATIA copper), PCGS #975 (Silver Pattern)