Spot the variety (NZ Penny)

FilamCoins

Do you think it will grade EF?

Blackhawk

I have a few of those pennies, but know nothing of their varieties.

sumnom

It's beautful!

dcamp78

Missing shoulder strap.

Big Dave

FilamCoins

<< <i>Missing shoulder strap.

Big Dave >>



Right! The rare 1956 "Strapless" NZ Penny. I believe the story is that when these were first minted, a certain portion of the population was offended that the Queen appeared to be naked! Thus, in subsequent production runs, a very thin line was added to the die to represent a shoulder strap over her right shoulder. I guess she's supposed to be wearing a sun dress of sorts. Out of a total mintage of 3.6m, I'm told that an estimated 50k of the strapless variety were produced. An interesting numismatic story.

SYRACUSIAN

I believe the story is that when these were first minted, a certain portion of the population was offended that the Queen appeared to be naked! Thus, in subsequent production runs, a very thin line was added to the die to represent a shoulder strap over her right shoulder. I guess she's supposed to be wearing a sun dress of sorts.



Looks like there is a shoulder strap already, just above the S at 6 o'clock, but it's not that easy to visually locate it. What looks like a strap resting on the back of her neck is in fact a tight necklace, a choker.

FilamCoins

<< <i>Looks like there is a shoulder strap already, just above the S at 6 o'clock, but it's not that easy to visually locate it. What looks like a strap resting on the back of her neck is in fact a tight necklace, a choker. >>







I borrowed a picture of the common "strap" variety from the internet. I think the mark you're referring to may be a nick on the coin rather than a strap (similiar to the circulation nicks you see on her cheek). The strap usually extends further across the right shoulder and is quite long and visible. What do you think? Will be able to tell for sure once I have the coin in hand.

1960NYGiants

Nice one. Yes I think it is EF.

There are similar strap and strapless varieties for 1953 + 1954 + 1955 Canadian coins.

SYRACUSIAN

<< <i>

<< <i>Looks like there is a shoulder strap already, just above the S at 6 o'clock, but it's not that easy to visually locate it. What looks like a strap resting on the back of her neck is in fact a tight necklace, a choker. >>







I borrowed a picture of the common "strap" variety from the internet. I think the mark you're referring to may be a nick on the coin rather than a strap (similiar to the circulation nicks you see on her cheek). The strap usually extends further across the right shoulder and is quite long and visible. What do you think? Will be able to tell for sure once I have the coin in hand. >>




Well, it's clearly defined on the common variety ,with a different curve alltogether. I think I might have been fooled by the toning and I visually connected the nick on her shoulder with the nick above the S. Or, if there is indeed an initial strap in the first photo between those 2 points, it is very weakly struck, as is the choker. We can therefore assume that there is a strap at the back of her neck, below or under the choker, otherwise it's a mystery how this dress stands up in the first and rare edition.

lordmarcovan

Hmm. I'd heard of the "strapless" 1953 Canadian varieties, but didn't know about this NZ one.

PS- just cherrypicked an EF 1942 NZ penny from a bulk bag, mere minutes ago. Catalogs 7 bucks. Not bad for 5-10 cents, eh? It has a few small darkish stains on it, but nothing serious.