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Malcolm Peake, Collected bronze Pennies. He was a leading authority on bronze pennies, halfpennies and farthings. He started collecting in the 1960's, one of the first to recognise differences in so many die varieties. Malcolm combined his knowledge with Michael Freeman and Michael Gouby and made contributions to their reference catalogues. The last time that I spoke with Malcolm, he gave me the impression that he planned to live in Thailand. My good friend, he shared all of his knowledge of bronze pennies with me !

Only buying copper/bronze a lot have an almost pink colour due to spending to long in something acidic such as vinegar. The small scratches is a giveaway along with the fields being different to the devices such as lettering etc.

I,m no expert , but I think cleaning ruins the surface of the coin , creating what looks like small scratch marks

For interested Penny collectors, I have included details of the new obverse along with many other rare pennies, on a new page on my website, entitled "Varieties That I Don't Have" (but fiercely covet !!!!!) Richard

I think there's also an element of a broadstrike in there too, the rim at 4 o'clock is much thicker than at 10 o'clock.

Brian if it turns out to be wrong as the top part of the three looked...... throw it in the bin. Maybe bite the bullet and just buy one for £80 ish,i believe they are becoming more common like the 1863 open penny and other documented varieties The chances of buying one on ebay unrecognised is slim as people are always looking. Keep searching and more importantly enjoy it but remember if the coin is referenced others are looking aswell. I have bought numerous copper pennies looking at the variety that were garbage but always learning and not cost me much to find out. Pete.