Hibernia Half Penny Date Error

[timlang2 0]

Hi all

I recently acquired a george III hibernia halfpenny, but unusually the date reads 1969 as opposed to 1769. I was wondering if anyone else has come across this date error before? I can post pictures if this helps. The coin's obverse has a crowned harp with the words HIBERNIA above and the 1969 below. The reverse has a george III bust facing right with the text GEORGIVS III . REX . around the top. I'd be greateful for any feedback. Many Thanks.

[azda 979]

Welcome Tim, a picture always paints a 100 words but it does sound strange that the date reads 1969

[Peckris 579]

Hi all

I recently acquired a george III hibernia halfpenny, but unusually the date reads 1969 as opposed to 1769. I was wondering if anyone else has come across this date error before? I can post pictures if this helps. The coin's obverse has a crowned harp with the words HIBERNIA above and the 1969 below. The reverse has a george III bust facing right with the text GEORGIVS III . REX . around the top. I'd be greateful for any feedback. Many Thanks.

This was an early undocumented attempt at decimalisation at the end of the 18th Century, trialled in Ireland. The coin in question is an early 50p. (Oh, it's NOT April 1st today? Soz.)

Seriously, it may be an undocumented 7 over 9 variety, as there were many die punching errors before the 19th Century. This example may have the 9 showing strongly below the 7. But as has been said, a picture or scan is a must. If you can enlarge just the date area that would be even better.

[timlang2 0]

Hi

Many thanks for your replies I will put up a piture this evening!

[timlang2 0]

Hi all

Here is a picture of the coin

Many thanks

[Peckris 579]

Hi all

Here is a picture of the coin

Many thanks

OMG, that's a clear 9 !! If it wasn't for the wear and general appearance I'd say it was a joke coin, but it actually looks a genuine worn coin of the period. I'd be tempted to send that off for appraisal and comment. If it turns out to be a true variety, it could be called the TARDIS ! (Take A Recut Date - I'm Serious)

[Rob 3,152]

Hi all

Here is a picture of the coin

Many thanks

It looks like a contemporary forgery from the image. There should be a scoll on the harp base, not a blob. And the posture of the harp figure isn't right. The detail on your coin looks like a mannequin being too stylistic as the 1769 Irish 1/2d has quite a lot of intricate detail which even when worn wouldn't give the rounded body sections

Edited August 4, 2010 by Rob

[Coppers 58]

Hi all

Here is a picture of the coin

Many thanks

It looks like a contemporary forgery from the image. There should be a scoll on the harp base, not a blob. And the posture of the harp figure isn't right. The detail on your coin looks like a mannequin being too stylistic as the 1769 Irish 1/2d has quite a lot of intricate detail which even when worn wouldn't give the rounded body sections

Even as a contemporary counterfeit I would expect that it would still attract a good deal of interest.

[timlang2 0]

Hi all

Thanks for all your replies.

I agree with Rob that this is a contemporary counterfeit, but as these are quite highly collected, I was wondering if anyone had come across this date error before. I believe they are collected in the US as part of the American colonial coinage series. I guess there are probably thousands of different varieties?

Thanks again

[Guest mikeBristol]

Hi all

I recently acquired a george III hibernia halfpenny, but unusually the date reads 1969 as opposed to 1769. I was wondering if anyone else has come across this date error before? I can post pictures if this helps. The coin's obverse has a crowned harp with the words HIBERNIA above and the 1969 below. The reverse has a george III bust facing right with the text GEORGIVS III . REX . around the top. I'd be greateful for any feedback. Many Thanks.

Hi,

Yes my neighbour showed me an example of the same coin this morning which prompted a Google search...

The date is very clear but some wear on the harp. I'll [pass the comments re. forgery to him.

[Guest taxi-steve]

Hi all

Thanks for all your replies.

I agree with Rob that this is a contemporary counterfeit, but as these are quite highly collected, I was wondering if anyone had come across this date error before. I believe they are collected in the US as part of the American colonial coinage series. I guess there are probably thousands of different varieties?

Thanks again

[Guest taxi-steve]

I have photos of this reverse with 2 different George III obverses, but have yet to hear back from others, and one collector has 3 but cannot send the photos for a couple of days. He got VERY lucky and picked one up recently for 12 dollars!! I know I spent almost 10 times that amount for mine. I collect counterfeits, and it is a counterfeit Irish halfpenny. Very cool and look forward to seeing the obverse to see if it's same or different than two I have photos of. As I said, I owned a couple, but had to sell, so I only have photos of friends examples, and a bit leary about posting photos of coins I don't own, but will be happy to send to anyone who supplies an email address. Actually, these belong to a close friend, as do the others that I will be getting photos of soon, so will stitch them and post a small photo with his name off of the photo. If anyone ever comes across any oddball British or Irish halfpence, and they do not have to be errors at all...and they don't collect them, please contact me, as I do and I will make an offer. Thank you. Wow...they make you post REALLY small pics....this is like 1 20th the size of the photo I have!!