Lot 1025 of our June 2018 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo presents a beautiful silver Hibernia farthing struck in Ireland by William Wood in the early 18th century. The surfaces have matured to a wonderful dove gray patina with splashes of sapphire and olive iridescence surrounding the design elements. Slight traces of reflectivity are noted throughout the fields, testifying to the great care with which this piece was rendered. The surfaces approach Mint State in many respects, with just a hint of old friction apparent across the highest points. The rarity and exceptional eye appeal of this AU-58 (PCGS) specimen is enhanced by a tremendous provenance to the collection of famed numismatist Eric P. Newman.
Wood’s Hibernia farthings in silver were once considered to be incredibly rare, which explains Eric Newman’s note regarding the present example of "probably unique." However, a small hoard of about two dozen pieces came out of hiding in England during the late 1950s. First brought to light by Baldwin’s of London, the pieces were housed in a silver tube with silver halfpenny ends. These had descended directly from the Wood family into the hands of Albert Baldwin, whose firm then dispersed the lot.
This important 1723 Wood’s Hibernia farthing in sliver from our June 2018 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo appears alongside rarities from the Beasley Collection, the Fairmont Collection, the Boston Old City Hall Collection, and other important cabinets. The sale is available for viewing and bidding on our website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative today, please call 800-458-4646 or email Info@StacksBowers.com. Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple device.
