1773 Virginia Halfpenny - Period

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,325 MS66 05-28-2008 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1773 Virginia Halfpenny with a period after the date, the companion variety to the No Period type and one of two major varieties of this historic colonial coin. These halfpennies were authorized by the Virginia colonial legislature and struck at the Tower of London's Royal Mint in 1773, making them the only coins officially sanctioned by a British colonial government for circulation in North America. The obverse shows the laureate and draped bust of King George III facing right with the legend GEORGIVS III REX, identical to the No Period variety. The reverse bears the quartered royal arms of Virginia with the VIRGINIA legend and the date 1773 followed by a small but distinct period or dot. This period after the date is the defining characteristic that separates this variety from the No Period type, and it is readily visible even on moderately circulated specimens. The existence of two distinct varieties indicates multiple die pairings were used during the substantial production run at the Tower Mint. Copper, approximately 25.5mm diameter, weighing about 7.5-8.5 grams, with a plain edge. Shipped to Virginia in hogshead barrels, many of these halfpennies were still in storage when the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775.

Rarity Notes

Common. Produced in similar quantities to the No Period variety. Both varieties are readily available in circulated grades, with Mint State examples being scarcer.

Cross References

PCGS #240; NGC #108091; Newman die marriages (Period type); Breen-184; Whitman-1570