_Voce Populi Halfpenny_ (Vol. iv., pp. 19. 56.).--I have _four_
varieties of this coin:
1. The one which J. N. C. describes, and which is engraved by Lindsay,
in his work on the coinage of Ireland, and is considered the rarest
type.
2. A precisely similar type, with the exception that the "P" is
_beneath_, instead of being _on the side_ of the portrait.
3. A more youthful portrait, and of smaller size than the preceding, and
a trifle better executed. It wants the "P" altogether, and has for "MM."
a small quatrefoil. The engrailing also very different.
4. A totally different, and older portrait than any of the preceding.
"MM." and engrailing the same as No. 3., and it also wants the "P."
The reverses of all four appear to differ only in very minute
particulars. Pinkerton, in his _Essay on Medals_, vol. ii. p. 127.,
after stating that the Irish halfpence and farthings were all coined in
the Tower, and then sent to Ireland, there being no mint in that
country, remarks--
"In 1760, however, there was a great scarcity of copper coin in
Ireland; upon which a society of Irish gentlemen applied for
leave, upon proper conditions, to coin halfpence; which being
granted, those appeared with a very bad portrait of George II.,
and 'VOCE POPULI' around it. The bust bears a much greater
resemblance to the Pretender; but whether this was a piece of
waggery in the engraver, or only arose from his ignorance in
drawing, must be left in doubt. Some say that these pieces were
issued without any leave being asked or obtained."