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Townshend TownshendR

A really neat looking ‘magic date’ issue, with an unusual and strikingly inelegant obverse portrait described by cataloger John Kraljevich as "evocative of Pete Townshend in profile".  Alas, we agree.

Crudity has long been considered a possible (though not definitive) indicator of American origin for contemporary counterfeits, as does the 1776 date.  That date would have been considered deeply meaningful and rich in symbolism for American coiners at that time, but the fact that no Regal Halfpennies were struck in 1776 would have made this a curious choice of year for an English engraver.  No one really knows where these struck, though. 

The coin itself is especially nice for an issue that more often looks horrendous.  The color is a pleasing chocolate brown, while the surfaces are hard and naturally glossy.  What appears to be light roughness across the portrait (adding to Townshends unshaven appearance) is actually the texture of the original planchet which was not fully struck up by these shallow dies.

A very cool, highly collectible piece with a neat story behind it.

$3,250

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