Mystery Copper Coin

[coppercop 0]

I found this in a lot of coins recently..of course it is nearly worn beyond recognition, but my curiosity about what this possibly may be won't stop...weighs 5.96 grams, measures 7/8" in diamter..not sure if the edge is just been "hit" from age, or, a hand-hammered copper.

Thanks

Calvin

[Peckris 579]

  On 12/25/2011 at 5:34 PM, coppercop said:

I found this in a lot of coins recently..of course it is nearly worn beyond recognition, but my curiosity about what this possibly may be won't stop...weighs 5.96 grams, measures 7/8" in diamter..not sure if the edge is just been "hit" from age, or, a hand-hammered copper.

Thanks

Calvin

It's so badly worn and damaged that all one can say with any certainty is that it's an early milled copper farthing, which were produced from the 1670s to the 1770s. Worth its own weight in copper.

[Rob 3,185]

  On 12/25/2011 at 5:34 PM, coppercop said:

I found this in a lot of coins recently..of course it is nearly worn beyond recognition, but my curiosity about what this possibly may be won't stop...weighs 5.96 grams, measures 7/8" in diamter..not sure if the edge is just been "hit" from age, or, a hand-hammered copper.

Thanks

Calvin

Probably a William III first(?) issue halfpenny with a reduced diameter from what is visible. The ties look to be the first issue type and the bust is too big relative to flan size for a farthing or halfpenny. Normal weight is anywhere from 8 and a bit grams to 10g.

[Rob 3,185]

  On 12/25/2011 at 11:12 PM, Peckris said:

  On 12/25/2011 at 5:34 PM, coppercop said:

I found this in a lot of coins recently..of course it is nearly worn beyond recognition, but my curiosity about what this possibly may be won't stop...weighs 5.96 grams, measures 7/8" in diamter..not sure if the edge is just been "hit" from age, or, a hand-hammered copper.

Thanks

Calvin

It's so badly worn and damaged that all one can say with any certainty is that it's an early milled copper farthing, which were produced from the 1670s to the 1770s. Worth its own weight in copper.

Do you not think the bust is too close to the edge top and bottom for a farthing? Coupled with the weight which is at the top end of the range for farthings and with undoubted metal loss given the irregular flan, I thought a halfpenny might be a better option.

[Peckris 579]

  On 12/25/2011 at 11:21 PM, Rob said:

  On 12/25/2011 at 11:12 PM, Peckris said:

  On 12/25/2011 at 5:34 PM, coppercop said:

I found this in a lot of coins recently..of course it is nearly worn beyond recognition, but my curiosity about what this possibly may be won't stop...weighs 5.96 grams, measures 7/8" in diamter..not sure if the edge is just been "hit" from age, or, a hand-hammered copper.

Thanks

Calvin

It's so badly worn and damaged that all one can say with any certainty is that it's an early milled copper farthing, which were produced from the 1670s to the 1770s. Worth its own weight in copper.

Do you not think the bust is too close to the edge top and bottom for a farthing? Coupled with the weight which is at the top end of the range for farthings and with undoubted metal loss given the irregular flan, I thought a halfpenny might be a better option.

Yes, you could well be right Rob - a cut-down halfpenny makes more sense. The bust - which is the only recognisable surviving shape - is too big on the planchet for a farthing.