Error/Variety #10: 1897 Great Britain Farthing, High Tide

1jester · December 17, 2003 6:42AM

Here are two different versions of this variety. The first one is uncirculated, and displays nice luster. Since these are both "darkened" by the mint, they usually are seen with a darker, sometimes bluish tone to them. The first coin shown, however, is much lighter than normally encountered, and I'm led to believe that this is the original color that these coins had when they left for the mint. I added a third one to show you how they look when a bit more worn. Check it out for yourselves!

laurentyvan · December 17, 2003 6:51AM

Pictures-link? Help! I've gone blind! Never mind, they came up the second time...

Very nice Jester-I don't have a high tide yet, but will soon! Again, I love the patina on these coins.

1jester · December 17, 2003 6:58AM

The scans don't really do a good job of showing the luster, unfortunately. Also, it's difficult to see the tide line in the last two coins. But they are all darkened, high tide examples.

wybrit · December 17, 2003 7:19AM

I am hypothesizing that the color varied depending on how the toning process was applied. Some were jet black, others have a lighter look to them. A look under the scope reveals similar "blotchiness" for both lighter and darker shades.

1jester · December 17, 2003 7:21AM

I'm glad the experts are beginning to weigh in with their knowledge!!

wybrit · December 17, 2003 11:56AM

Colin Cooke's website has all the details for the varieties. Link

cosmicdebris · December 18, 2003 4:56AM

I can't see the tide line at all in the second one.

Error/Variety #10: 1897 Great Britain Farthing, High Tide

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