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IanB

How important is a serif

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I have a 1855 half penny that has some serifs missing on the I in BRITANNIAR. The top one looks like there is a dent on the upright with perhaps the smallest trace of a serif, the bottom one is just not there.

Is this a fault in stamping or can serifs just break off over time?

Does a missing serif make it rare?Missing serif.pdf

 

 

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Serifs won't break off but it is probably a result of die fill, crud gets inside that part of the die and then becomes flush with the die itself, rendering what you have there. 

As a variety, it could be one and some do command a premium, but the copper boys will be better suited to comment on that. 

Nice little error though :)

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Thank you Nordle, that makes a lot of sense. I guess whenever machinery is involved in any form of production then small bits of dirt and grease will find its way onto the item no matter how clean they try to be

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