1724 1/2P Hibernia - DEI above Head

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Description

This 1724 Wood's Hibernia Halfpenny features the variety designation "DEI above Head," indicating that the word DEI (from DEI GRATIA, "By the Grace of God") is positioned directly above the head of George I's portrait on the obverse die. William Wood bought the patent to coin halfpence and farthings for Ireland from the Duchess of Kendal in 1722; it allowed 360 tons over 14 years at 30 pence to the pound, so 60 halfpence weighed a pound. The coins are dated 1722 to 1724 and show George I on the obverse and Hibernia seated with a harp on the reverse. Protest in Ireland, sharpened by Jonathan Swift's Drapier's Letters, led to the recall of the coinage, and how the pieces reached America is not documented. On this obverse the word DEI stands above the king's head. Cataloged as PCGS #45379.