1749 Britannia

[Guest jimmyhinely]

Just found a 1749 Britannia but there are several descrespencies I don't understand. For one-this coin is only 23.5 MM in diameter. All the ones I have been finding have been 28 MM. And second-instead of rotating this coin left or right to see the reverse, it is rotated top or bottom as is modern US coins. In other words the reverse is upside down from the obverse. On the 28 MM Britannia's the reverse is the same orientation as the obverse. Any ideas what I have here?

Thanks- J. Hinely

[Peter 615]

It would seem from the dia of 23mm that you have a 1749 George 11 farthing.

From your comment "been finding"I take it you are a detectorist!!!!!

I will guess its made of copper and not very pretty....green tinge?

Very few Copper coins found in the ground are collectable....

Hope this helps.

[Geoff T 3]

The "top-bottom" rotation - known as reverse die axis - is also standard for the period, so nothing special there.

G

[Peter 615]

I forgot to mention that the "28mm Britannia's" you refer to are probably halfpennies (from the same period.)

They all get bigger & smaller as you go backwards and forwards in years.....you're also entering a period where the majority of copper coins were forgeries/evasions.....

however the public tended to accept these (as currency was in short supply).

[Guest jimmyhinely]

Yes, I go metal detecting several times a week. It is addicitive. The more you find the more you want to find. No-the copper coins I find aren't in very good shape. Thanks for your help. Jimmy Hinely