Owner Comments:
The 1799 halfpennies struck for circulation present a somewhat unique collecting opportunity. For type collectors, there is no shortage of nice raw, uncirculated examples for as little as a couple of hundred dollars. For another hundred or so dollars, one could reasonably expect to acquire a nice MS-64BN example graded by either NGC or PCGS. True gem examples of this type tend to draw spirited bidding, and it would not be unreasonable to see a truly spectacular MS-66 BN fetch multiples of an equally eye-appealing MS-64 BN. I do not seek RB or RD examples, but they can be found on occasion with a slight premium to accommodate the color. In my experience, the RD examples I have encountered are often not as eye-appealing as the majority of BN examples in a similar grade. The RB examples are highly variable. For more advanced collectors, the series presents a fun challenge: acquiring examples of the different varieties. As noted by Peck (1970), there are five major varieties of
currency issue 1799 Halfpennies (excluding P-1253). Most of these are extremely common – the most ubiquitous example found in uncirculated conditions is P-1248 with the 5 incuse gunports. Other varieties, such as P-1250 or P-1252, are substantially more challenging in higher uncirculated grades. This particular example, with six raised gunports, is a P-1249.
Please note that the images were captured through heavily scuffed plastic. This coin is solid for the assigned grade. Any major notable scratches are on the holder.
Obverse: The bust of George III faces right. A wreath of 11 leaves and three berries adorns his head and is tied behind the neck by a ribbon with one loop and a loose end. A single dot (.) appears centered on the lowest fold of the drapery, caught by a clasp of 6 irregularly spaced jewels. Peck notes that the position of the folds and dot varies with different working dies. The legend occurs within a thin raised rim and toothed border that reads as follows: GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX (even spacing). A small planchet defect appears across the King’s throat. Otherwise, this is a very pleasing example of the type. There are subtle hints of color in the peripherals, which are well complemented by the retained red in the areas closest to the toothed inner border. A large die crack protrudes from the bottom limb of the “X” and extends under the field under the King’s bust.
Reverse: |
Britannia is depicted facing left wearing a close-fitting drapery sitting on a rock surrounded by waves. Her right arm is extended, and her hand holds an olive branch with 14 leaves and no berries. Her left arm is down with a trident clasped in her grasp of which the middle prong points just left of the first limb of the 2nd “N” in Britannia. An oval shield with a thin raised rim adorned with the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew (heraldically colored) is to her left side. A three-masted warship appears in the sea in front of her about halfway down her leg. Six raised gunports can be spotted along the hull. An ensign is mounted to the poop, and somewhat long pennants are affixed to each mast. Three raised dots appear in a triangle shape on the rock to the right of the shield. The date “1799” occurs just under the curved sea, with the “1” squished within the border of the sea. The legend occurs within the thin raised rim and toothed border and reads as follows: BRITANNIA with the date appearing at the bottom of the coin just under the primary device. The typically encountered “waviness” is evident in the field below Britannia’s arm but appears farther away from her body than usual. Like the obverse, the subtle original red luster blends with a neon blue to create a magenta tone around the peripherals, which contrast nicely against the otherwise brown fields.
Edge: Engrailed
Notes: |
Ignoring the other merits of this coin, the series of die cracks across the reverse is notable enough to capture my attention. Given the extent of the die crack that runs through Britannia’s head and bisects at least two other die cracks, it is safe to assume that this die likely failed soon after. Usually, this would occur after a die was well-worn from use, but the details imparted by the die are still sharp, and the coin is fully struck. Even the pattern at the hem of Britannia’s dress is fully detailed. Oddly, there are numerous areas of doubling on the reverse. For instance, the last six letters of the legend, Britannia’s left knee, and the last digit of the date. The obverse is devoid of such irregularities with one notable exception. The “R” in “GRATIA” appears to have been repunched, as made evident from the doubled upper serif and the protrusion from the bottom center of the horizontal leg. It remains possible that this die was retouched and subsequently cracked soon after, but given the lack of robust physical evidence of this, it seems more likely that it failed early in its service. It is also interesting to note that this piece is one of the less frequently encountered types where the “1” is not clear of the sea.