1902 Edward VII Halfpenny/1901 Victoria Farthing

[markm_72 0]

Found these 2 coins in a mixed lot, both appear to be silver in colour & off metal strike(Not plated, tested edge with white fluid & no usual signs of being plated) the 1902 Edward VII Halfpenny compared to a normal coin is a thicker planchet at nearly 2mm, weight is 5.9 grams & 26mm, the coin has some wear to high spots but otherwise is in very good condition.The 1901 Victoria Farthing is very similar in appearance & weight is 2.88 grams & 21mm.

Can anyone help with identification of what these might be.

Thank you

[jelida 1,374]

We need pics of the reverses to confirm the denominations.

Jerry

[markm_72 0]

Thank you, It would only let me upload one due to size.

[VickySilver 883]

These both appear plated. I am careful in my choice of words, but assertions have no place; I do not believe you can state the 1/2d is NOT plated.

I am somewhat of a specialist in both Victorian and E7 silver, but also love off metal strikes (OMS). The farthing is within tolerance on weight, the halfpenny is about 0.5 gm heavy compared to standard. However, the coin DOES appear heavily plated in the photograph with loss of detail secondary to this - a bit of blurring that I have seen often with heavier plating. 

I will add that heavy plating may be "resistant" to non-penetrating assays/tests, including chemical, scratching, XRF. Specific gravity will pick it up & would anticipate with some likelihood that this 1/2d will register as near copper, but slightly higher. By quick memory, bronze is somewhere around 8.8-8.9 and sterling silver about 10.36-10.39.

[markm_72 0]

Thank you for your help, apologies for saying not plated but it was deeply scratched on edge & tested with white fluid on the scratched area with no reaction.However I understand what you are saying and take this information on board.I carried out the specific gravity test on both coins, the 1902 coin came back 7.90 & the 1901 coin came back 7.63.

Many thanks

 

[Rob 3,221]

Those figures are way too low. Copper is 8.945 ish. Tin is 7.3, so it could be tin alloy. That would tie in with the halfpenny being about a third thicker than it should, but only slightly overweight.

[markm_72 0]

I will double check & do the specific gravity test again.

[markm_72 0]

I have double checked, sorry but I forgot to Tare scales before adding coin to hanger, they came back slightly higher this time 1902 = 8.7 & 1901 = 8.4 (Checked & double checked)

[VickySilver 883]

Loss of detail is important when it comes to plating and the SG, if accurate, would def. mitigate against a full silver content; tin tends to look quite different and rather "crummy" when circulated and 115 years old! I would tend to favour exactly what was in my first post. Sorry I can't see a fortune in it for you though!

[markm_72 0]

Thanks & I appreciate your time, not worried about value, more interested in what they were & to learn more about them so I know in the future if I come across similar looking coins, fairly accurate first assumption I would say....good stuff & I think this one can be ticked off now.

[Paddy 1,869]

With all the Specific gravity discussion in this thread - is there a convenient kit for measuring this around? I have the scales, it is the volume measure (presumably a la Archimedes by immersion in water) that I need.