Lot 2815

Description

U.S.A., New Jersey, St. Patrick or Mark Newby coinage, issued c.1670-5, farthings (2), halfpenny, (Yeoman p.20). Good - nearly fine. (3)

Ex H.P. Whittle Collection. Mark Newby came to America from Dublin, Ireland in November 1681 and brought with him copper pieces believed to have been struck in Dublin c.1670-5. The coinage was made legal tender by the General Assembly of New Jersey in May 1682. Some doubt exists on the actual denominations of the pieces, whether they are farthings and halfpennies or halfpennies and pennies as the legislature did not specify which size would circulate but only the coin was to be worth a halfpenny in trade. However more farthing size pieces are known than the larger halfpenny, an that suggests that this smaller coin was the halfpenny coin quoted in the legislature.