British 1d VICTORIAN specialists

coinkat

The 1863 1d is fairly common unless it is a variety... There are die numbers that appear numbering 1 through 4 that appear below the date. A 2004 catalog other than Krause seems to imply that these are rare and no price is listed. How rare are these? I do not claim to be an expert on this subject and perhaps some of our friends from across the pond may want to share their thought too... I will answer the first question before it is asked and the die number on this example is 4 ... any thoughts?

wybrit

According to Gouby (and probably others as well), there are die numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. All are extremely rare, ranging from only 1 known to 5 known.

Brit Tip #15

AuldFartte

According to my 19th century Krause, the 1863 1d with the toothed border and die number "5" below the date is rare and thus no pricing info is given.

The 1863 1d with die number 2, 3 or 4 is priced at $100 in F; $180 in VF; $450 in EF; and $1,200 in UNC. If I'm reading Krause correctly, the latter does not have the "toothed" border, but I have been known to be mistaken at times

Teg

Not my area - but - that is one rare coin.
Peck notes two examples, one in the British Museum
so unavailable for commerce.
Freeman "The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain"
gives it a rarity value of R 20. Which is possibly
unique. He also has a photo of the coin, the
grade is "fair".
I find price guides not much use for very rare
copper or bronze varieties.
What condition is the coin - and does it have a
pedigree?

Teg

coinkat

The coin does not have a pedigree. The coin has some rim dings that are distracting, but in an airtite holder, it isn't that bad. The coin grades, by British standards, in the AVF to VF range, but I would probably net grade the coin lower in light of the rims. I am going to look for a 1863 die number 2 or 3... and it is okay to start laughing now. I am sure that I have a better shot at getting struck by lightening or hit by a bus.