1723 Rosa Americana Penny – King George I Colonial Coinage 
- Sold Winning Bid: $265.00
- 47 Bid(s) View Bid History
- High Bidder: NMPecan
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1723 Rosa Americana Penny – King George I Colonial Coinage
This rare and historically significant 1723 Rosa Americana penny represents one of the earliest efforts to introduce standardized coinage to the American colonies. Minted under a royal patent granted to William Wood by King George I, this coin was struck in Bath metal, a unique brass alloy with an intended blend of copper, zinc, and a trace of silver. Designed to address the scarcity of circulating coinage in the colonies, the Rosa Americana series is both a monetary and artistic achievement of its time.
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Obverse: The coin features a laureate bust of King George I, encircled by the inscription "GEORGIVS DEI GRATIA REX" (George, by the Grace of God, King). The profile is finely detailed, reflecting the regal nature of the design.
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Reverse: The reverse showcases a crowned Tudor rose, symbolizing England, surrounded by the Latin phrase "ROSA AMERICANA" and the year 1723, with the motto "UTILE DULCI" (The Useful with the Sweet) engraved below. This elegant design emphasizes the coin’s dual purpose as both a medium of exchange and a symbol of loyalty to the Crown.
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Diameter: Approximately 29mm
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Material: Brass alloy (Bath metal)
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Engraving Condition: While exhibiting some wear from circulation, the design details, including the crowned rose and inscriptions, remain legible, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
Condition:
This 1723 Rosa Americana penny is in circulated condition, with noticeable wear consistent with its nearly 300-year age. The coin’s darkened patina adds character and highlights its historical authenticity, making it a prized specimen for collectors of colonial Americana.
Historical Background:
The Rosa Americana series was an ambitious venture by William Wood, who aimed to produce coins specifically for the American colonies under a patent from King George I. Minted between 1722 and 1724, these coins were intended to alleviate the chronic shortage of coinage in the colonies and provide a standardized currency. Despite their innovative alloy and striking designs, they faced resistance from colonists due to their lightweight brass composition, which led to doubts about their value and durability.
The Latin motto "UTILE DULCI" reflects the vision of uniting practicality (utile) with beauty and sweetness (dulci), a hallmark of these coins. However, the Rosa Americana series ultimately saw limited circulation and was discontinued after Wood’s contract ended, making surviving examples highly collectible today.
Special Notes:
The 1723 Rosa Americana penny is a cornerstone of colonial American coinage, embodying the challenges and aspirations of a fledgling transatlantic economy. Its connection to King George I and William Wood’s entrepreneurial efforts make it a valuable artifact of early American history. This piece is a must-have for collectors of early Americana and those interested in the evolution of currency in the New World.
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