why is the 1992 small head 20p not a mule?

[scott 144]

wondering about this, its the only denomination to have 2 head sizes, and small head is scarcer then the large? so is it a mule or was it done to finish a die?

[Rob 3,152]

wondering about this, its the only denomination to have 2 head sizes, and small head is scarcer then the large? so is it a mule or was it done to finish a die?

It isn't a mule because the obverse changed in this year. A mule occurs when 2 dies that were not intended to be used together are in fact utilised eg. the 20p with no date, or the 1711 3rd bust shilling. In the case of the latter, the 4th bust was introduced on Anne's shillings in 1710 and so the use of the preceding obverse die in 1711 would not be expected.

[Peckris 579]

wondering about this, its the only denomination to have 2 head sizes, and small head is scarcer then the large? so is it a mule or was it done to finish a die?

It isn't a mule because the obverse changed in this year. A mule occurs when 2 dies that were not intended to be used together are in fact utilised eg. the 20p with no date, or the 1711 3rd bust shilling. In the case of the latter, the 4th bust was introduced on Anne's shillings in 1710 and so the use of the preceding obverse die in 1711 would not be expected.

I have no idea what you two are talking about. I've just checked Check Your Change and Chris only lists a single type. There was an obverse change in 1985, and again in 1998. There was not, to my knowledge, in 1992!

[Rob 3,152]

wondering about this, its the only denomination to have 2 head sizes, and small head is scarcer then the large? so is it a mule or was it done to finish a die?

It isn't a mule because the obverse changed in this year. A mule occurs when 2 dies that were not intended to be used together are in fact utilised eg. the 20p with no date, or the 1711 3rd bust shilling. In the case of the latter, the 4th bust was introduced on Anne's shillings in 1710 and so the use of the preceding obverse die in 1711 would not be expected.

I have no idea what you two are talking about. I've just checked Check Your Change and Chris only lists a single type. There was an obverse change in 1985, and again in 1998. There was not, to my knowledge, in 1992!

Dave Groom's book p.210-211 refers.

[scott 144]

but why change it mid way through striking?

[Rob 3,152]

but why change it mid way through striking?

Master broke? Punch used on the earlier coins unserviceable? Who knows? You could ask the RM why the change was made as if anyone is going to answer the question it has to be the people who made it.

[Peckris 579]

wondering about this, its the only denomination to have 2 head sizes, and small head is scarcer then the large? so is it a mule or was it done to finish a die?

It isn't a mule because the obverse changed in this year. A mule occurs when 2 dies that were not intended to be used together are in fact utilised eg. the 20p with no date, or the 1711 3rd bust shilling. In the case of the latter, the 4th bust was introduced on Anne's shillings in 1710 and so the use of the preceding obverse die in 1711 would not be expected.

I have no idea what you two are talking about. I've just checked Check Your Change and Chris only lists a single type. There was an obverse change in 1985, and again in 1998. There was not, to my knowledge, in 1992!

Dave Groom's book p.210-211 refers.

Thanks Rob. I've had a look, and it makes me about as thrilled as the two types of 1953 obverse. Excuse me, I feel a yawn coming on...

[just.me 23]

I agree the minor differences in obverses of the 1953 1/4d, 1/2d etc is nothing exciting. But the '53 Pennies with obverses having teeth and plain borders is another matter, I would be pleased to come across one of those.

[Peckris 579]

I agree the minor differences in obverses of the 1953 1/4d, 1/2d etc is nothing exciting. But the '53 Pennies with obverses having teeth and plain borders is another matter, I would be pleased to come across one of those.

Oh Lord yes - in the same realm as 1922 pennies with 1927 reverse, but even rarer. Far rarer! Unique?

[Red Riley 2]

Thanks Rob. I've had a look, and it makes me about as thrilled as the two types of 1953 obverse. Excuse me, I feel a yawn coming on...

My vote for the dullest varieties are the 4 types of 1937 penny, or is it 3 or 5...

Apathy r

[Peckris 579]

Thanks Rob. I've had a look, and it makes me about as thrilled as the two types of 1953 obverse. Excuse me, I feel a yawn coming on...

My vote for the dullest varieties are the 4 types of 1937 penny, or is it 3 or 5...

Apathy r

Oh God yes - so exciting that no guide features them. And none is rarer than any of the others. YAAAAAWN.