17th Century, Cornwall, Penzance, Ralph Beard, Halfpenny, 1669, 1.09g/12h (D –). Surface oxidised, otherwise about fine and clear, of the highest rarity; believed the only known specimen (£300-400)

Provenance:
Bt N.A. Clark June 2001.

Ralph Beard, Madron. The full reading is: mm. pierced cinquefoil both sides, ralph (rosette) beard (rosette), shield containing Mercers’ arms, rev. of (rosette) penzance (rosette) 1669, his half peny