1723 Farth Hibernia PCGS AU58 CAC. Here is a near-Uncirculated 1723 Hibernia farthing. The piece has hard, light brown surfaces that show traces of original mint luster. The color attests to the coins originality. The surfaces are also clean for the grade, with no individually distracting abrasion marks or other problems. The strike is above average with full details on the legends on both sides and a strong portrait of King George. In our opinion, this is a premium quality early Colonial coin and this premium quality is confirmed by CAC.

The obverse shows a laureate head of King George facing right. He is surrounded by the legend GEORGIUS. DEI. GRATIA. REX. The reverse shows a seated female figure facing left with a harp. The legend is HIBERNIA with the date 1723.

The Hibernia coins were originally intended for use in Ireland; however, they were so resented by the populace that they were withdrawn and shipped to the American colonies, where they circulated along with currencies of many other countries. Denominations were struck in farthings and halfpennies, with dates of 1722, 1723, and 1724. 

The Hibernia coins were designed by William Wood, a British hardware manufacturer and mint master. He also struck the Rosa Americana coins during the same period of time. One of the reasons for the Hibernia coins being so unpopular in Ireland was the publication of Jonathan Swifts Drapiers Letters.

In its population report At CAC, as of August 2013, only 4 coins  have been confirmed in AU58.  Considering an amazing period of time of several hundred years we think that coins of this caliber are among the greatest values and prized possessions in all of Numismatics.