Michael-Roo

Where about in Liverpool are you detecting?

Yeah. Unfortunately, its quite pitted, isn't it.

I bought that one on ebay for £23 around three years ago.

Yours doesn't look so bad. As you say, its a little worn but, clearly, it had been a nice strong strike.

Here's one of the heavier examples I have. 28.5-29mm. 11.9g.

Nope. What is it?

Although your coin is certainly at the top end it is still within the accepted diameter and weight ranges for the 1694s. I have several of these heavier examples too. I don't think our coins are particularly unusual. Just in case you're not familiar with Nicholson's notes (though you probably are!), here's the link. http://www.colincooke.com/coinpages/nicholson_part1.html

Hi all. I'd very much welcome your thoughts on this one. A 1718 dump halfpenny displaying three distinct anomalies. First: No stops on the obverse. A well documented variety, but certainly scarce. Second: E over B in REX (or possibly even B instead of E). This is unrecorded in Peck, and the only reference I can find is an example listed in a St. James auction (similar grade to mine but showing some corrosion). There isn't one in the Nicholson collection. Third: The coin is on a broad flan. All my other 1717 and 1718 halfpennies are approximately 26mm in diameter. This one is 27.5mm. Have any of you seen anything similar? Thanks very much.

Thanks for your input Scott.

Yes. Thank you Rob. I see the Nicholson 172 is the same diameter. Mine is much more 'irregular' in shape though? Do you have anything to add regarding the no stops and E over B?

The E/B in Rex does indeed match the B in Britannia. Please compare with the St. James auction coin.

Of course! Paulus, you're right. 1790s token halfpennies are a great suggestion. So much social and political history to explore. In fact, your mentioning them has me reaching for the tray right now…...

Paulus: You're right on both counts. 1887 silver can still be found at bargain prices. In higher grades the 1807 halfpenny is harder to come by than the 1806. However, at £20, your 1806 was a good buy.

Don't worry about it Charlie. Everyone of us bought 1887 silver when we were starting out. Even the members who now spend squilions on coins.

Nice. Be sure to check though what you have from your Grandfather for rarities. Wreath crowns. H and KN pennies. 1946 and 49 threepenny bits etc. If you find you have a 1905 half crown your Grandpa was a canny bloke .

Here's a photo of the reverse. Sorry, its not the greatest pic ever uploaded on the forum. However, I thought it worth adding to show how prominent the stop after Britannia is compared with the lack of stops on the obverse. Also: look at that border/rim. This is a dump halfpenny. Have you ever seen one so broad?!?!

Just had a look. Maybe a few minor differences? The ties certainly seem to be different. Possibly a slight difference in the placing of the letters too? The border on my coin is obviously much broader too.

I have to be honest Stuart, die matching always leaves me a bit puzzled. They all look the same to me . However, I'll go back now and look at them side by side. Any thoughts re the broad flan?

Welcome Charlie. I agree. Nearly VF. A nice coin to start the hobby with. Do you have any others we could take a look at for you?

Scott, you're usually spot on, but this time I would beg to differ. Look at these two cropped images. The first is the E in Georgius. The second the E in Rex. They are completely different. The second has no trace of an upper horizontal bar or serif. Edit: I have no idea why the second image has appeared here upside down. Its the right way up on my desk top!

That's a really interesting coin! It looks to me as if there's a bottom serif sticking out the bottom loop of the B-shape. If you look at the E in George, that also exhibits B-like qualities, but looks more E-like?The whole die and/or punches look very tired. So, is it an E with a damaged/curved bottom bar, or a B punch refashioned (for God knows what reason) to make an emergency E? Or B/E? Food for thought! The serifs of the E in Georgius do indeed display unusual wee spreads and bends but the corresponding letter in Rex has strong 'B' loops. Exactly the same as the St. James coin.

Count me in. Three for two….. Sounds like a Tesco offer .

Here's a link to the St. James coin. http://stjauctions.com/assets/applets/SJA13part5.pdf

Hi Scott. What do you mean. 'With an E'?

Cheers Stuart. I find this one fascinating, so I'm really pleased to get your expert input. You're right. The the condition isn't all that bad, its the punch/strike which looks a little tired. Doesn't explain the broad flan though. Very odd. Have you seen another? Thanks again.