ST. PATRICK FARTHING IN COPPER

Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles

Significant examples:
In the February 2005 issue of NUMISMATIST (page 63), William Anton offered a Mark Newbie Farthing for $365,000.00, describing it as follows: "Pattern, completely hand-cut dies, struck on oversized planchet stock.  Gem Uncirculated with 65% mint red."

Recent appearances:
PCGS EF-40.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The Benson Collection - Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 4, bought back at $1,380.00, "Typical weak strike"

PCGS VF-30 (illustrated above).  Ex - Ira S. Reed, June 21, 1944 at $3.00 - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The Benson Collection - Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 5 at $1,207.00, where it was described as follows: "St. Patrick Copper "Farthing". PCGS graded VF-30. The obverse design of St. Patrick holding a harp, with crown above, reverse of St. Patrick holding a cross, with church behind, and administering to various sea creatures. QUIESCAT PLEBS on reverse refers to "let the commoners be quiet" a reference to authorities desire to quiet the embarrassing political songs and verses commonly sung by the populace. Known as "Newby's coppers" after he brought over large numbers for circulation in the Quaker Colony of New Jersey in America. Choice chocolate brown in color, with the familiar large brass splasher on the crown (used to represent the gold in the crown rule), the splasher was put onto the planchet before striking. Minor surface fissures on the obverse, and this may have been struck by roller dies. Problem free for the issue, and desirable."

About Very Fine (1670-1674) St. Patrick Farthing.  Ex - Stack's 65th Anniversary Sale, October 17-19, 2000, Lot 2, "84.7 grains...some surface porosity" @ $690.00