1773 Virginia 1/2 penny, help with variety and conservation

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Numismat, Jan 16, 2013.

  1. Numismat

    Numismat World coin enthusiast

    Hi folks,
    Came across this one, I suppose it's Breen #180. I have been trying to figure out the Newman die pairings but have limited experience with colonial era US coins and can't seem to figure it out. Can anyone attribute it for me?
    Also, any ideas on if anything can be relatively safely done about the rust at one end of the coin?

    Thank you kindly!


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    Numismat, Jan 16, 2013
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  3. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    That's not rust but it's the same kind of thing - corrosion. Could be wrong, but it looks like some kind of corrosive liquid got on the coin at some point and has caused that along with the dark discoloration.

    I dunno, but whatever it was from the looks of things it could still be active - meaning there may still be some of it on the coin. I think I would probably try rinsing thoroughly in xylene, then allow the coin to dry. Then rinse in distilled water, stand the coin on edge and allow it to dry for 24 hrs. Then put it in a good holder and store properly.
     
    GDJMSP, Jan 17, 2013
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  4. scottishmoney

    scottishmoney Buh bye

    This piece appears by condition to be from the Cohen hoard that was owned by Mendes Cohen in the 1870s. He is reputed to have owned about 2.000 examples of the 1773 halfpenny in uncirculated condition.
     
    scottishmoney, Jan 17, 2013
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  5. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    Am I the only one who thinks that it looks just 'too good'?
     
    Treashunt, Jan 17, 2013
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  6. BRandM

    BRandM Counterstamp Collector

    I think the coin is good Frank. Like SM says, it's probably from the Cohen hoard. The corrosion of course detracts, but still a nice specimen.

    Bruce
     
    BRandM, Jan 17, 2013
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  7. Revi

    Revi Mildly numismatic

    Beautiful coin! I had a Machin's Mills half penny, and it never looked as good as that!
     
    Revi, Jan 17, 2013
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  8. Numismat

    Numismat World coin enthusiast

    Thanks guys!

    Doug: Would xylene affect the good part of the coin?
     
    Numismat, Jan 18, 2013
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  9. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    No.
     
    GDJMSP, Jan 18, 2013
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