Hello...I was just curious about the St. Patrick Farthing. Is there any known pieces with a plain edge? I read in the redbook that all farthings and halfpennys have a reeded edge?
Good to have you here Dave. As far as I know all of the St. Patrick pieces have reeded edges. Hold that thought though until the colonial experts chime in. Bruce
Friendly fyi... In my opinion, the Redbook is not a good source for Pre-Federal/Colonial-era coinages. If you with to pursue these issues, I'd recommend getting a better text. In any case, yes there are two issues reported without reeded edges. But I'd have to say there is some controversy regarding whether indeed such is the case. (More at the end) Breen reports one variety; Breen-202. The 202 is a copper halfpenny, with the typical brass plug. Breen estimates it to be 'Extremely Rare,' or about R-7 (4-12 known). Bowers reports the W-11550 (also Breen-205). It is struck in silver, and is theorized to have possibly been used in Ireland as a shilling (per Bowers) or a florin (per Breen). (One or the other theory is obviously wrong.) Bowers says it's a URS-2 or URS-3 (2-4 known specimens). Breen says it's an R-7. Note that Breen makes no mention that the specimen isn't reeded, only Bowers says it's reeded. That said, Crosby (pg.138) says every specimen he had examined (copper and silver) all had "milled" edges (meaning reeded). But then again, that was in 1875. Durst makes no mention either way, in his 1976 book. Additionally, Robert Vlack, in CNL Vol 7, No 1 (Jan 1968) wrote:"One very strange aspect of this [St. Patrick] coinage is that, with the exception of worn specimens, all appear to have a milled edge. This is unusual for a token coinage of this period, though not unique; other copper coinage of Charles II is known struck with milled edges." --- My gut tells me all were originally milled, and the ones which now appear plain edged are simply that way because of wear. But that's only my humble opinion.
Thanks guys. The reason why I am asking is that I have a St. Patrick Farthing graded genuine by Anacs with a plain edge. Kind of confusing as like I stated I read that the Redbook only stated reeded edges but I will have to get a better book to go by. I am sure I will have more questions in the near furture about other items that I have. Thanks again, you guys are really helpful on here!!!
I'm glad Cheetah weighed in on this Dave. I have an interest in colonial issues, but he has the expertise. Is there any chance that the edge reeds have been worn off your example? I'm sure you've looked closely, but I was just curious to know if there was any indication that it once had a reeded edge. I'd love to see a picture if you can post one. Thanks. Bruce
A picture would be helpful. Just one other possibility, the piece you describe might be a " struck-over " .
