1773 Virginia 1/2P No Period, NGC MS66* BN PL. 1773 No Period Pence Virginia (Breen 181). This unique, museum-like colonial halfpence shows subdued luster within the devices. The coin is mainly chocolate brown with highlights of blue and blue-grey on the obverse and chocolate, steel-grey, with tints of green and blue on the reverse. Clean, proof-like surfaces are evident on both sides of the coin. Except for the sixth harp string, the strike is sharp and clear on both the obverse and reverse. The coin is the No Period variety, which comes with serrated borders. The grade of MS66* indicates that this coin has exceptional eye appeal. The obverse shows a laureate bust of King George III facing right. He is surrounded by the Latin inscription GEORGIUS III. REX. The reverse shows the royal crown and shield. The numerals of the date are separated by the crown. The inscription VIRGI is on the right with NIA on the left.

King George III was the first English-born monarch. He lived from 1738 to 1820. The grandson of George II, he married Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and had fifteen children. During his lifetime the western world saw the American and French Revolutions, the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, and the development of the British global empire.

In 1609 the Virginia colony was the only colony that was given the right to mint coins. This power was not used until 1773, when the Virginia Assembly passed an authorization act for the coinage of the halfpence. The coins were released into circulation a year later perhaps because the Colonial Treasurer was afraid distribute them without written authorization. Despite the royalist design, they did circulate; however, shortly after they were released, they were horded because all hard money was scarce.