1723 Twopence Rosa Americana

Coin Details

Auction Record

$40,250 CH UNC 05-01-2005 Stack's

Description

This 1723 Rosa Americana Twopence is the standard issue of the largest denomination from the peak production year of the series. At approximately 31mm in diameter, the Twopence was the most impressive coin in the Rosa Americana family, showcasing the crowned Tudor rose reverse design at its largest scale. The obverse features the laureate bust of George I facing right with the full royal legend GEORGIVS D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA: ET: HIB: REX, while the reverse displays the large crowned rose with ROSA AMERICANA VTILE DVLCI. Struck in Bath metal, the heavy Twopence was the denomination with the most tangible heft and presence in the hand, making it the most coin-like piece in the series. The 1723 date marks the high point of production before opposition in both America and Ireland brought the venture to an end. William Wood's dual coinage operation — Rosa Americana for the colonies and Hibernia for Ireland — was producing substantial quantities of both series during 1723, but the political backlash was intensifying. The Twopence, as the highest-value denomination, would have been the most commercially useful coin in the series had it achieved widespread acceptance. At two pence, it represented a meaningful amount in colonial economy where a pound of butter might cost a few pence and a day laborer might earn less than a shilling. The 1723 Twopence is one of the most recognizable and frequently collected colonial American coin types.

Rarity Notes

Scarce but one of the more available Rosa Americana Twopence dates. Popular as a type coin for its large size and attractive design.

Cross References

PCGS #91; Martin attribution; Breen; Nelson; cf. PCGS #128 (same coin, possible alternate cataloguing)