1723 FARTH Hibernia Farthing, Silver, Martin 3.3-Bc.3, W-12500, R.5, AU58 NGC. 74.0 grains. Die alignment: 180?. A pleasing representative of the silver Hibernia farthings, struck under unknown circumstances by William Wood. This piece exhibits deep cabinet toning of smoky gray with a blush of pink, accentuated by iridescent blue highlights in the legends, and with prooflike surfaces. Very light rub to the highpoints of the hair, and to Hibernia's dress and harp, are barely noticeable under the undisturbed toning, evidence of nearly 300 years of care. While Bowers notes in his Colonial Encyclopedia that this is the "most available silver striking in the Wood's Hibernia series," this is probably due to the discovery in the 1950s of as many as 25 silver farthings that had been kept in a tube with silver Hibernia halfpennies for ends. Silver farthings were considered much more rare before then, with the Garrett collection lacking a single example and with the envelope accompanying this piece marked "Probably unique." From the earliest obverse die state. Listed on page 46 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15015, realized $3840. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1688) TOKEN American Plantation Token, 1/24 Part Real, Sidewise 4, Newman 3-C, W-1145, R.7, MS61 NGC. Die alignment: 360?. A Sidewise 4 variety of this enigmatic series, of which only eight or nine examples are known. This is the finest graded by NGC; PCGS has graded two in MS60, but nothing higher. Eric P. Newman has a special fondness for the American Plantation issue, having written the standard work on it in 1955 (revised in 1964). The present token is exceptional, showing well-defined detail and consistent silver-gray coloration. The granularity that develops on tin coins over time is not advanced on this piece, which shows no real "tin pest." The British struck minor coins made of tin from 1684 to 1687. The American Plantation tokens were struck the year following the discontinuance of the metal in British coinage, and are the only American Colonial issue struck in it. Their denomination can seem puzzling given their British origin, but as the tokens were intended only to circulate in America it was felt that using the Spanish valuation was appropriate. Listed on page 43 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15014, realized $21600. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1688) TOKEN American Plantation Token, 1/24 Part Real, Sidewise 4, Newman 3-C, W-1145, R.7, MS61 NGC. Die alignment: 360?. A Sidewise 4 variety of this enigmatic series, of which only eight or nine examples are known. This is the finest graded by NGC; PCGS has graded two in MS60, but nothing higher. Eric P. Newman has a special fondness for the American Plantation issue, having written the standard work on it in 1955 (revised in 1964). The present token is exceptional, showing well-defined detail and consistent silver-gray coloration. The granularity that develops on tin coins over time is not advanced on this piece, which shows no real "tin pest." The British struck minor coins made of tin from 1684 to 1687. The American Plantation tokens were struck the year following the discontinuance of the metal in British coinage, and are the only American Colonial issue struck in it. Their denomination can seem puzzling given their British origin, but as the tokens were intended only to circulate in America it was felt that using the Spanish valuation was appropriate. Listed on page 43 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15014, realized $21600. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(c. 1670) FARTH Mark Newby's St. Patrick Farthing, Silver -- Mount Removed -- NGC Details. Fine. Breen-210, W-11520, R.5. 99.5 grains. Die alignment: 360?. A well-worn but still attractive example of these mysterious coins. The obverse shows strong detail for the grade, with no real problems to mention. Much the same could be said of the reverse were it not for the obvious signs of prior mounting affecting this piece. The color is brownish-gray with occasional brassy spots. The exact status of these silver "farthings" -- whether intended as circulating coins, medals, presentation pieces, or patterns -- remains unclear. Listed on page 43 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman and Burdette G. Johnson; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15013, realized $3360. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(c. 1670) FARTH Mark Newby's St. Patrick Farthing, Silver -- Mount Removed -- NGC Details. Fine. Breen-210, W-11520, R.5. 99.5 grains. Die alignment: 360?. A well-worn but still attractive example of these mysterious coins. The obverse shows strong detail for the grade, with no real problems to mention. Much the same could be said of the reverse were it not for the obvious signs of prior mounting affecting this piece. The color is brownish-gray with occasional brassy spots. The exact status of these silver "farthings" -- whether intended as circulating coins, medals, presentation pieces, or patterns -- remains unclear. Listed on page 43 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman and Burdette G. Johnson; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15013, realized $3360. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1659) SHILNG Maryland Lord Baltimore Shilling, Hodder 1-A, W-1080, R.6, AU50 NGC. 63.4 grains. Die alignment: 180?. Calvert's facial features are remarkably distinct, with his eyes, nose, and mouth being well-rendered and preserved in fine detail. His distinguished appearance gives this shilling additional dignity, augmented further by its pervasive golden toning. The coin is well-struck, overall, with some central weakness most obvious in the hair. The mouth is more clear on this example than on the extraordinary AU58 piece in our Partrick sale of January 2015. The reverse is struck a touch off-center toward 6 o'clock, but shows strong detail with a particularly bold globus cruciger (the orb and cross atop the crown). Clash marks are visible below the II, as always on this variety. The Calvert family arms, depicted on the reverse and described in heraldic terms as "a paly of six Or and Sable, a bend countercharged," remains a feature of the Great Seal of the State of Maryland. A truly exceptional example of the largest denomination of the Lord Baltimore series. Listed on page 42 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15012, realized $22800. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1659) SHILNG Maryland Lord Baltimore Shilling, Hodder 1-A, W-1080, R.6, AU50 NGC. 63.4 grains. Die alignment: 180?. Calvert's facial features are remarkably distinct, with his eyes, nose, and mouth being well-rendered and preserved in fine detail. His distinguished appearance gives this shilling additional dignity, augmented further by its pervasive golden toning. The coin is well-struck, overall, with some central weakness most obvious in the hair. The mouth is more clear on this example than on the extraordinary AU58 piece in our Partrick sale of January 2015. The reverse is struck a touch off-center toward 6 o'clock, but shows strong detail with a particularly bold globus cruciger (the orb and cross atop the crown). Clash marks are visible below the II, as always on this variety. The Calvert family arms, depicted on the reverse and described in heraldic terms as "a paly of six Or and Sable, a bend countercharged," remains a feature of the Great Seal of the State of Maryland. A truly exceptional example of the largest denomination of the Lord Baltimore series. Listed on page 42 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15012, realized $22800. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1659) 6PENCE Maryland Lord Baltimore Sixpence, Small Bust, Hodder-2-C, W-1060, R.5, XF45 NGC. 42.1 grains. Die alignment: 180?. No stop after MVLTIPLICAMINI. The obverse shows few signs of circulation, with Calvert's draped bust only lightly rubbed at the highest points of the hair. A light scratch in front of his face is the only mark that bears mentioning, and the coloring is choice, being a gunmetal gray with underlying hints of rose and blue. These colors are emphasized on the reverse, with an iridescent blue and a more vibrant pink alternating on the escutcheon to produce a checkered effect that is very striking. Both sides are a bit off-center toward 2 o'clock, with this being more pronounced on the reverse. There are traces of a misplaced M punched between the C and A of MVLTIPLICAMINI, which is a diagnostic for this die. This would be an outstanding selection for a Colonial-era type set, being a problem-free Choice XF example of the most frequently encountered die variety of this quintessential Colonial coin. Listed on page 42 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15011, realized $18000. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1659) 6PENCE Maryland Lord Baltimore Sixpence, Small Bust, Hodder-2-C, W-1060, R.5, XF45 NGC. 42.1 grains. Die alignment: 180?. No stop after MVLTIPLICAMINI. The obverse shows few signs of circulation, with Calvert's draped bust only lightly rubbed at the highest points of the hair. A light scratch in front of his face is the only mark that bears mentioning, and the coloring is choice, being a gunmetal gray with underlying hints of rose and blue. These colors are emphasized on the reverse, with an iridescent blue and a more vibrant pink alternating on the escutcheon to produce a checkered effect that is very striking. Both sides are a bit off-center toward 2 o'clock, with this being more pronounced on the reverse. There are traces of a misplaced M punched between the C and A of MVLTIPLICAMINI, which is a diagnostic for this die. This would be an outstanding selection for a Colonial-era type set, being a problem-free Choice XF example of the most frequently encountered die variety of this quintessential Colonial coin. Listed on page 42 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15011, realized $18000. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

(1659) 4PENCE Maryland Lord Baltimore Groat (Fourpence), Large Bust, Hodder 1-A, W-1010, R.6, XF45 NGC. 30.6 grains. Die alignment: 180?. A firm strike provides full legends and a level of detail often lacking in more softly struck pieces assigned higher overall grades. The color is a consistent golden-tinged gray and the coin is well-centered. Some pre-strike planchet roughness is seen on the face and below the bust, but Calvert's features remain distinct on this Choice XF example. These were struck by the Tower Mint for the Catholic Cecil Calvert, Second Baron Baltimore, during the political upheaval leading to the English Restoration. Through this turmoil, Lord Baltimore successfully produced and imported a multidenominational coinage struck exclusively for use in an American colony. The first samples arrived in Maryland in March 1660, right after Massachusetts Bay had struck their NE and Willow Tree coinages. One of perhaps 20 examples known. As the only other die variety of Lord Baltimore groat is the unique Small Bust piece, the type as a whole remains very rare. Listed on page 42 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15010, realized $26400. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.