Wide Rim Halfpenny

[Guest Stephen]

Hi

I have come across a few 1967 wide-rim halfpennies amongst some coins I have. I notice that in 'Collector's Coins' the mintage figure is not split between 'normal' and 'wide rim' and I just wondered how scarce the wide rim ones are (I guess not very), and if they would be worth more than a few pence each like the normal ones ?

Many thanks

Stephen

[Rob 3,152]

Hi

I have come across a few 1967 wide-rim halfpennies amongst some coins I have. I notice that in 'Collector's Coins' the mintage figure is not split between 'normal' and 'wide rim' and I just wondered how scarce the wide rim ones are (I guess not very), and if they would be worth more than a few pence each like the normal ones ?

Many thanks

Stephen

Freeman estimated the rarities as follows. The narrow rim version rarity C18 (75-100 million in existence), the wide rim rarity C8 (15-17.5 million in existence). Both common enough to be given away with a packet of Cornflakes.

[Geoff T 3]

The wide rims were actually minted in 1968 but have the date 1967 on them. There were quite a few "1967" coins minted in '68 and even '69,which is why they're common as muck.

G

[Gary D 76]

Are any of the other post 1967 coins distinguishable from the 1967 variety as with the 1/2d

Gary

[Master Jmd 84]

Are any of the other post 1967 coins distinguishable from the 1967 variety as with the 1/2d

Gary

I'm not sure I fully understand what you mean, but if I am on the right lines then yes, the 1970 Proof Halfpenny (from the issued sets) has this wide rim variation. I think it is also the same that the wider rim is scarcer than the normal rim type.

Edited January 1, 2006 by Master Jmd

[Gary D 76]

Are any of the other post 1967 coins distinguishable from the 1967 variety as with the 1/2d

Gary

I'm not sure I fully understand what you mean, but if I am on the right lines then yes, the 1970 Proof Halfpenny (from the issued sets) has this wide rim variation. I think it is also the same that the wider rim is scarcer than the normal rim type.

I meant bearing 1967, so are you saying that the 1970 proof 1/2d came in both wider and normal rims if so I have the wider rim 1970. Now to start looking for a normal rim. What about the other 1967 demoninations, are there variations. I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that spink's is pretty limited, especially given to amount of unlisted proofs that keep popping up. Is there a better guide to variations.

[Rob 3,152]

Freeman doesn't list a narrow rim 1970 1/2d and I've certainly never seen or heard of one. The only varieties of 1970 are 2 ship sizes, 21.5 and 21.7 mm wide listed as Freeman reverses I & K respectively.

[Gary D 76]

The plot thickens. I thought I had both the wide and normal rim 1967 1/2d. On closer inspection the wide rim I purchased is the same as the what I considered to be a normal. So do I have 2 normals or 2 wides. Comparing them too my other 60s 1/2d I'd say they are both normal rims. Looking at my 1970 proof side by side it has a narrower rim so it begs the question " Is there such a thing as a wide rim 1967 1/2d". What we should be looking for is actually a narrow rim.

[Rob 3,152]

Obverse 3 narrow rim, the I of GRATIA points to a dot. Obv. 4 wide rim the I points to the right of a dot. The legend is also closer to the border on the wide rim.

[Gary D 76]

Just tell me when you get bored. I think I have got to the bottom of this normal/wide lark. It is the head that shows the difference and I was comparing obverse, doh, well its got the date on. On the head side I measured 0.45mm for normal and 0.6mm for wide. So where do you measure the dimensions of the ship.

[Master Jmd 84]

Michael Coins lists:

1967 - 2 Obverse dies

 

  Obv. 3  D of DEI to gap  [Thin rim] 

  Obv. 4  D of DEI to bead  [Thicker rim] 

  1967 Reverse - re-touch to the back flag

 

  The diagonal cross of the back mast's flag 

  normally has fine INCUSE vertical lines. 

  Rev. J  The incuse flag line - very weak 

  Rev. K  The incuse flag line - strongly re-cut 

              plus with INCUSE lines along the diagonals

and 1970:

1970 (PROOF) - 2 Obverse dies 

  Obv. 3  D of DEI to gap  [Thin rim]  UNLISTED 

  Obv. 4  D of DEI to bead  [Thicker rim] 

  Freeman lists 2 reverse dies!

 

  Cannot see any difference - so not listed

Link

[Gary D 76]

"Obv. 3 D of DEI to gap [Thin rim]

Obv. 4 D of DEI to bead [Thicker rim]"

Makes it so much easier than trying to measure 0.15mm difference with a verier and not scratch anything. This still makes my 1970 a wide. I'll now go away and pester everyone on ebay for a picture of the obverse of there 1970 1/2d Unless anyone has got a spare thin rim kicking around.