Collection of British Coins formed by the late Ronald Hansen

George III (1760-1820), Pre-1816 issues, Halfpenny, 1773, rev. B, no stops on obv., 9.75g/6h (BMC –; cf. S 3774). Extremely fine and well-struck, very rare
£150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Collection of British Coins formed by the late Ronald Hansen.

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Provenance: M.R. Roberts Auction 8 (Sydney), 22 September 1980, lot 283.

This coin, which appears to conform to the contemporary regal issues of George III in respect of its weight and general appearance, nevertheless has a number of distinctive features, including a very angular face of Britannia and striking fish-tail letters. The obverse lettering is partially disproportionate and, apart from having no legend punctuation, the e and x of rex are particularly squat, while the rose below the King’s breastplate is of a distinctive style mirrored on a 1770 halfpenny sold in 2009 (Noble Numismatics Auction 92, lot 1836)