Evasion halfpennies c. 1672 - 1806

This page relates to an ongoing research project of cataloging and imaging counterfeit and evasion British halfpenny coins minted between 1672 and 1806, with UK provenance.

The research project started 11 August 2019. The goal is to prepare a comprehensive catalog which not only includes the evasion halfpennies but also counterfeits, with approximate indications of rarity and price on the numismatic market.

The following rarity parameters are used:

R4: believed to be unique R3: less than 10 specimens known ("extremely rare") R2: 10 - 50 specimens known ("very rare") R: 50 - 300 specimens known ("rare") Scarce: Available to collectors with some regularity. Assumed that 300 - 1000 specimens known Common: Easily available to collectors; many specimens known.

It is noted that even common coins may be rare or very rare in good states of preservation.

A table of specimens studied to date will follow in due course.

Reference number Image Obverse legend Reverse legend Obverse type Reverse type Weight Atkins reference (if any) Rarity Notes
George II; Cast type A1
Obverse.
Reverse.
GEORGIVS [II REX] BRITANNIA 173[?] Young head of George II facing left. Britannia facing left holding spear and olive branch. Not recorded. - C Crude cast manufacture; may be found in brass or other copper alloys.
NW1
Obverse.
Reverse.
COLONEL KIRK. NORTH WALES 1796 Bust of Colonel Kirk left. Irish harp. (Type B) Not recorded. Atkins 64 Scarce (?)
NW2
Obverse.
Reverse.
GEORGEIVS WASHINGTON NORTH WALES ** ** Bust of George Washington left Irish harp. (Type A) Not recorded. Atkins 133 R2 Approximately 15 specimens known. Circa 1795.
1777a
Obverse.
Reverse.
[GEOR]GIVS. II. REX. BRITANNIA 1777 Bust of George II left Britannia seated, facing holding spear and olive branch. Not recorded. - R2 (?) Possibly a mule of two dies due to incompatibility of bust type and date; or could be intentional ?


No regal halfpennies minted in 1777.

1748a
Obverse.
Reverse.
GEORGIVS. II[I] REX. BRIT[ANNIA] 1748 Bust of George III right. Prominent die flaw on face. Headless Britannia holding olive branch and spear. Not recorded. Very underweight. - R Reverse die with headless Britannia likely designed to give the appearance of wear even in freshly struck coins.
1748a; specimen 2
Obverse (specimen 2)
Reverse (specimen 2)
GEORGIVS. III. REX. BRITAN[NIA] [174]8 Bust of George III right. Prominent die flaw on face. Headless Britannia holding olive branch and spear. 4.40g - R As above.
1772BSBR1
Obverse.
Reverse.
BRUTUS SEXTUS BRITONS RULE 1772 Bust (BS type) left. Crude features. Britannia seated facing left holding olive branch and spear. Crude, very low relief engraving. 26 R Struck in very low relief to appear worn on minting. Photographed specimen saw little wear. 2 of date overpunched, probably on a misplaced 2.
177?
Obverse.
Reverse.
GEORGIVS. III. REX. BRITAN[NIA] Relatively good quality bust right, aged features. Britannia seated facing left holding olive branch and spear. Cruder engraving, broad chest and waist, blundered union jack on shield. - ? (probably R) Related to Series A ?


Reverse and obverse types for "Series A" - common struck non-regal pieces with shared types

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Table of specimens

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Reference number Image Obverse legend Reverse legend Obverse type Reverse type Weight Atkins reference (if any) Rarity Notes
1775a
 
Obverse.
 
Reverse.
GEORGIVS . III. REX. BRITANNIA. 1775 Bust of George III right. Various differences with official portrait. In particular, note large laurel leaves in wreath, with oversized berries, and bloated cheeks. Britannia seated facing left holding spear and olive branch. Elongated form with thin waist and crude face. Not recorded. - C Specimen shows numerous die flaws which are typical of this type.
1775b
 
Obverse.
 
Reverse.
GEORGIVS. III. REX. BR[ITAN]NIA. 1775 Bust of George III right. Better quality imitation of official bust. Note elongated neck and closed cuirass. Britannia seated facing left holding spear and olive branch. Elongated form, although less extreme than 1775a, thicker waist. Date numerals crudely entered. Not recorded. - C