Pictured is a 1722 Rosa Americana Halfpenny that I acquired for a decent price. I haggled with the seller, and managed to get it at half his asking price. Presently it's the only Rosa Americana 1722 in my collection. All other Wood's specimens that I have consist of his various Hibernia coinage. I believe that this specimen is a Martin 2-B / Breen-133 / W-1218 based on its obverse and reverse die specs. As you will see, the planchet is a bit irregular in shape, and did not superimpose evenly over the black background in the images that I prepared. To illustrate various details, I have included shots with flash used and without flash used. Aside from pitting, you will notice a pronounced scratch on the obverse of the specimen. (Which, unfortunately, is a bummer!) On a positive note I am very pleased that many details of the uncrowned rose remain intact and are not worn off. Any comments and thoughts about it are appreciated and welcomed! Thanks, kindly CheetahCats
Wellllll if the scratch bums you out that much feel free to send me that coin. Need me to PM you an address. Nice coin by the way. Not up much on these and have to dig through the redbook to find them.
mark_h -> The scratch doesn't bum me out that much! In the 2010 Red Book, you can find information on William Wood's coinage on pages 39-43. Information includes his Rosa Americana and Hibernia types.
I am partial to Rosas myself. You are right on the variety, and it is considered a prototype or pattern. They don't show up nearly as often as Hibernias. There is a book on Rosas presently in the works, when it comes out there should be a lot more info on varieties than we have now. Nice coin.
Darn. [/QUOTE} In the 2010 Red Book, you can find information on William Wood's coinage on pages 39-43. Information includes his Rosa Americana and Hibernia types.[/QUOTE] Yes - I kept digging until I found them. Still a nice coin!
Cheetahcats, I think I would describe that coin as lot more positively than you did. It IS a nice example of the Rosa Americana coinage, and that scratch is insignificant in my opinion. I see the surfaces are a bit rough, yes, but not necessarily corroded (you have it in- hand so you can judge better).
l.cutler -> I appreciate confirmation of attribution. Indeed I am partial to the Rosas as opposed to the Hibernias, and agree that availability seems less common. I'm anxiously awaiting the book that you mention. Eduard -> In hand the coin shows no other evidence of deterioration, including corrosion. Thanks :smile
I love all the detail that coin has. Sure, the surfaces aren't great, but I'd love to have it in my collection. I frequently find that coins with great details and surface "issues" fit into my budget nicely.