Scarce 1772 Vlack 6-72A Machin's Mills Halfpenny

1772 Machin's Mills counterfeit halfpenny. Vlack 6-72A. Rarity-6. Fine or better. 107.4 grains. A pretty nice example of this rare variety, using the same obverse as the typically seen 1776 Machin's Mills halfpence and a very elusive Small Date 1772 reverse. The surfaces are evenly granular, dark brown but not entirely devoid of gloss. A few little marks are seen low on the obverse bust, some shallow worn scrapes at the base of Britannia, no bad digs or damage. This piece undoubtedly did some time in the ground but came out pretty well unscathed but for the minor granularity. The die state is not as late as sometimes seen, but the big blob that extends upward from the outstretched hand of Britannia is prominent. Later die states have brought rather considerable sums at auction, as have somewhat nicer examples of a similar die state. This example is nicer than most (which, frankly, isn't saying much), boasting good sharpness and fairly pleasant eye appeal. Plenty of Machin's specialists still lack this scarce die variety.