1787 Machin's Mills Halfpenny. Vlack 17-87A, W-7900. Rarity-2. GEORGIVS III, Group II. AU-58 (PCGS).
118.8 grains. An outstanding, exceptionally well struck example with choice, original surfaces. From an early state of the dies, before cracks and buckling often cause incomplete strikes. Here all the minute detail of the dies is on full display and there are no areas of mentionable weakness, nor signs of any real wear. A lovely medium brown in color with golden-tan within the letters, breastplate, shield, and exergue lines, the lighter accents clearly the remnant of original mint red that has just barely faded. Newman's envelope that accompanies the coin described the piece as "Unc. red." Nicely centered with completely full and bold legends and date, and a majority of the dentils present around the borders. A superb Machin's Mill type coin.
PCGS# 826955.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Stepney Hoard; Heritage's sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, November 2017, lot 15037.

Estimate: $6000