Brit Tip #15
wybrit
Posts: 6,961 ✭✭✭
Tip #15
More die numbers and letters
As I stated in the last tip, die numbers were common in Victorian sixpences, shillings and gothic florins. It turns out that there were other die number experiments performed earlier on the bun head Victorian bronze coinage. These are extremely rare and highly sought after.
The most famous die character experiments were done on 1862 halfpennies. A letter was placed to the left of the lighthouse. At present, the following are known to exist (source: Michael Gouby's fascinating report, The British Bronze Coinage, 1860-1869):
Die letter A - 20
Die letter B - 5?
Die letter C - 8?
Die letter A to right - 1
Another die number experiment was made on pennies dated 1863. The die number is found below the date. These are broken down as follows (again, Gouby's paper is the source for this info):
Number 1 - none known
Number 2 - 4 known
Number 3 - 3 known
Number 4 - 5 known
Number 5 - 1 known
The purpose of the experiments is not reliably known.
Needless to say, given that these can probably be easily forged, it is imperative to have coins like this authenticated by a reliable third party.
More die numbers and letters
As I stated in the last tip, die numbers were common in Victorian sixpences, shillings and gothic florins. It turns out that there were other die number experiments performed earlier on the bun head Victorian bronze coinage. These are extremely rare and highly sought after.
The most famous die character experiments were done on 1862 halfpennies. A letter was placed to the left of the lighthouse. At present, the following are known to exist (source: Michael Gouby's fascinating report, The British Bronze Coinage, 1860-1869):
Die letter A - 20
Die letter B - 5?
Die letter C - 8?
Die letter A to right - 1
Another die number experiment was made on pennies dated 1863. The die number is found below the date. These are broken down as follows (again, Gouby's paper is the source for this info):
Number 1 - none known
Number 2 - 4 known
Number 3 - 3 known
Number 4 - 5 known
Number 5 - 1 known
The purpose of the experiments is not reliably known.
Needless to say, given that these can probably be easily forged, it is imperative to have coins like this authenticated by a reliable third party.
Former owner, Cambridge Gate collection.
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Comments
WNC Coins, LLC
1987-C Hendersonville Road
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1000!!! Hey, you better get moving, Sir!
All of the 1862 1/2ds with die letters are rare. But the die letter C is beyond a joke. I've never seen on and the dealer I work with has seen one in the last twenty five years. The letter C is apparently not to the left of lighthouse but left and way down in the waves
The B is coming up more frequently - hardly common - I have one for sale now, and sold a damaged low grade one earlier this year.
A BU die letter A went on Ebay over a year ago for £1250. It is interesting to note that all A's are unbarred.
As most of you know you find a lot of 1862 1/2ds in junk boxes, as it's such a common date. When scavaging, you should always look for an LCW above the 8 and 6 of the date, in the rocks. This is easier to see than the die letter B. But ALWAYS look around the lighthouse for something. Any one of the above in VF+ is a £1,000 coin.
I have never seen a die number penny for sale.
Good "Tipping"...
L
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." -Luke 11:9
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