1806 Pennies - Proofs V Currency

[MRD 6]

Nice but a few problems.

Hi Guys,

I have seen this coin in the hand, the small mark on the rim between R and E of REX is actually a ding that does not show as such in the picture. And the scuffs in front of the kings face are more pronounced in the hand.

Thank you! I'll give this one a miss I think. It's certain not a bargain which is why it probably didn't sell in the auction. Another R56 will no doubt appear one day.

It has actually been in the last 2 auctions and remained unsold.

Cheers..

[azda 979]

Agreed, best to leave it, hopefully they may come down in their Price as it's now obviously to much

[Rob 3,152]

Out of interest, how is 'bronzing' done? Is it a plating process, or a surface copper changing process or a striking process like Barton's metal?

It is a surface treatment. I don't know the full ins and outs of it, but the agent is applied as a powder(?). Taylor produced pieces with variable results.

This very late striking of a P1053 (restrike bronzed pattern 1/2d) shows not very good bronzing, even by Taylor's standards, but a lot of blocking of the incuse detail with a red powder. Taylor's bronzing is quite a light colour,as has been mentioned before.

[Colin G. 147]

It is quite difficult to put into words, however I find that the bronzed examples normally have a quite even chocolate tone to them, and often look "too consistent" in tone, whereas the copper examples can vary in tone quite like currency examples can.

[Rob 3,152]

It is quite difficult to put into words, however I find that the bronzed examples normally have a quite even chocolate tone to them, and often look "too consistent" in tone, whereas the copper examples can vary in tone quite like currency examples can.

I concur.

The bronzed proof halfpenny P1234 is one that is a consistent colour (and relatively dark chocolate-like). See the last image for this, with apologies for the small image due to the 150Kb limit.

Pre 1799 soho bronzing was consistently lighter in colour than the 1799 series, which in turn is consistently darker than the bronzed 1805 or 1806 Soho coins.

The stain ring seen on the raised rim of the P1153 is a consistent feature of this variety and I assume that it is a by-product of the bronzing process.

[Rob 3,152]

Taylor's bronzing was a bit haphazard. In addition to the P1053 shown above, the difficulties he experienced in quality control are amply demonstrated by the P1161 shown below.

Even when it went better, the quality was still not as consistent as that of the Soho pieces with residual speckling. See nude Britannia (image 2).

Occasionally it went completely to pot, such that a P1309 which I previously thought to be a copper variety, I now think is one where the mottling is due to faulty bronzing. That despite the total lack of bronzing colour.

[Accumulator 52]

Looking at my 1797-1807 pennies, where I know the material from a process of die pair elimination, it does seem that the bronzed coins are consistent in colour. That doesn't mean they are all the same colour, just that the coloration is even, whereas the copper coins have a more patchy coloration. It's not easy to tell them apart though!

[Rob 3,152]

You also have to beware of those varieties that Peck didn't know about. Missing bronzed and copper varieties are not unknown, just as strikes are now known in metals other than those listed.

[Accumulator 52]

You also have to beware of those varieties that Peck didn't know about. Missing bronzed and copper varieties are not unknown, just as strikes are now known in metals other than those listed.

I'm sure cataloguing these coins can be a nightmare and I've probably already made mistakes. The plan is to acquire a few more in time, as nothing beats comparison in-hand. 1797-1807 proof/pattern pennies are firmly on my wants list then!

[azda 979]

Maybe one for you in the Heritage sale accumulator, i like the look of that one myself

http://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=1105&category=22650&lot=1030290

Edited December 10, 2013 by azda

[Accumulator 52]

Maybe one for you in the Heritage sale accumulator, i like the look of that one myself

http://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=1105&category=22650&lot=1030290

Yes, Heritage have a few coming up!

[Garrett 76]

Wow - that is one pretty penny, which will sell for a pretty penny too.

Be interesting to see how much it goes for !