1784 Machin’s Mills “related” 1/2p, Circulating Counterfeit, Vlack 14-84A, W8130, R5, PCGS F15. From the Stacks Bowers sale of the Richard August collection, sold on 03/09/26 as lot #1443 and described as: “1784 Circulating Counterfeit Halfpenny. Machin's Mills Related. Vlack 14-84A, W-8130. Rarity-5. Fine-15 (PCGS). 98.9 grains. A distinctive entry among American-associated imitation halfpennies. Long collected as part of the Machin's series by virtue of being included on Vlack's 1974 plate, this variety was clearly present in American pockets, though it's uncertain where it was made. A specimen was in the group of coins found at Washington's headquarters in Montclair, NJ in 1922 (the so-called Beach-Grunthal Hoard), and others have been found by metal detectorists in more recent years in the Mid-Atlantic region. Byron Weston has suggested an English origin for these coins, though the number found on American shores makes intentional production for the American market seem likely regardless of who exactly made them. This piece is far finer than most seen, with a particularly firm strike on a fine, broad planchet. Denticles frame most of both sides, surrounding glossy chocolate brown fields that are as unflawed as ever encountered. The legends and date are complete, the central devices are well rendered, and no notable post striking flaws are present. A thin scratch leading to the base of the final A of BRITANNIA blends in, as does a few scattered marks and hairlines. The eye appeal is superb. Despite its relatively unimpressive assigned grade, this is one of the very finest examples of this variety we've ever seen. And that's why it's in the Richard August Collection. Provenance: From the Richard August Collection.” So if you look through the Stacks Bowers archives, you will quickly see that despite the PCGS F15 assessment, that this is actually one of the higher-grade examples. Looking further, you will also see that this example is certainly above average in terms of surfaces, color, eye appeal, and STRIKE, with plenty of definition on the top half of the reverse which always comes weak on this variety. My previous coin was the Long Island Collection NGC VF35 which was crossed over into a PCGS VF30 holder, so although the number on the holder for this coin is lower, it is certainly an UPGRADE for me! Current PCGS Price Guide Value is $2,250 at the time of this writing but I was happy to pay $2,880 for this example. Richard graded this coin EF40, "high condition census," and valued it at $15,000. PCGS certification# 935.15/50929684 with “Machin’s Related, Vlack 14-84A, Richard August Collection” on the label.
