George III (1760-1820), Soho Mint, Birmingham, Proof Halfpenny, 1799, in copper, laureate bust right with thin flaw extending from mouth, wreath of 11 leaves, brooch of 6 square jewels, single pellet on lowest fold of drapery, rev. Britannia seated left, olive branch with 14 leaves, centre prong of trident to left of first limb of second n in legend, soho and raised triangle of dots on rock, shield with thin raised rim, tall ship with 4 stays from mast to bowsprit and 5 incuse gunports, 1 of date clear of the sea, edge centre-grained, 13.03g/6h (BMC 1253 [KH 26]; S 3778). Toning spot at back of head and metal fault below bust, otherwise brilliant and practically as struck, extremely rare [certified and graded NGC PF 63 BN] £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Philip Richardson Collection of George III Copper Coins.

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Collection

G. Bates Collection, Part I, Glendining Auction, 30 April 1986, lot 352; B. Nicholson Collection, Part IV, Colin Cooke FPL 2003 (299); bt C.D. Cooke March 2004