1773 Virginia ½ Penny PCGS MS62 RB. Significant amounts of mint red are still apparent on this lustrous colonial Virginia copper. No wear is present, as expected for a mint state coin, and the surfaces, aside from a few small carbon spots, are original and clean. The scuff marks on both sides and the scratches on the bust are on the holder not the coin. The strike is sharp as seen in the full details of King George’s hair and the design details of the reverse.

The coin shows a laureate bust King George III on its obverse with the inscription GEORGIUS III REX separated by dots. The reverse shows the crowned royal arms with the date, 17 73 on each side of the crown. The legend VIRGI and NIA are right and left of the shield.

Of the original colonies, Virginia was the only one that had a royal authority to mint its own coins as part of its charter. Although it was established in 1609, the colony waited until 1773 to pass an act authorizing coinage. After nearly a year from when they were minted, the coins were released. However, with the approach of the Revolution, coins did not circulate although a few have been found in various archaeological digs in Virginia, including Williamsburg. A keg of uncirculated survivors was found in Richmond, Virginia before the Civil War.

The Virginia half penny is the only colonial coinage that was issued under royal authority as part of the colony’s charter, the only issue whose circulation was interrupted by the Revolutionary War, and the only colonial coin the average collector can obtain in uncirculated condition.