Virginia Coins

About This Coin

Struck in copper at an English mint around 1773, Virginia Coins — specifically the Virginia Halfpenny — represent the last colonial coinage authorized by the British Crown for an American colony before the Revolution. The obverse features a portrait of King George III, and the reverse displays the royal coat of arms of the Virginia colony with the inscription VIRGINIA and the date. These halfpennies were ordered by the colonial government of Virginia to address the perennial shortage of small change that plagued all British American colonies, and they arrived in the colony just as political tensions were escalating toward open revolt. The coins were produced in substantial quantities, and a significant hoard discovered in the 19th century helped ensure their relative availability compared to many other colonial issues. Despite this, high-grade examples with original mint luster remain genuinely scarce and command strong premiums. Within the Pre-1776 States Coinage (1652-1774) series, Virginia Coins hold special significance as the final chapter in Crown-authorized colonial coinage — within two years of their production, Virginia would be in open rebellion against the sovereign whose portrait they bear. A notable auction result reached $11K in MS65BN grade at Heritage Auctions, reflecting the strong collector demand for exceptional examples of this historically resonant colonial issue.