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And they get paid good money for mistakes like this ? They should be in ten downing street

I wonder what a French 5 and 10 centime collector of the 1850's would make of this conversation? Did they show these problems, and if not, why not? Same metal, same size, same company.....

The obvious answer is that when the bronze coinage was introduced the Mint faced many challenges involving short lived dies. Very many die pairings were tried out, without long term success. By 1863 much of this had been overcome when the best working die pairings had been put into effect, 6 + G for pennies, 7 + G for halfpennies and 3 + B for farthings. That combination of die pairings then remained in effect until the next major changes in 1874.

yes it must have been quite exhausting. They could, with a bit of artistic licence create quite a good soap opera or period drama out of it involving all sorts from the die setter to the Queen and all the intrigue in between . Of course a bit of light relief when Wyon goes on his annual 6 weeks holidays in the middle could always add a bit of scenery . But then perhaps it might only intrigue a few old guys that collect some old coppers or bronze. I'd watch it LOL

My own tuppence ha'penny's worth: they encountered so many problems over the first 4 years of bronze that they eventually managed to iron them out. Also, it must have involved such a gargantuan effort between 1858 and 1863 that they may have decided to cut not only their losses but reduce such enormous expenditure.

yes or a sledge hammer

1839 Proof Penny About As Struck Condition: --not specified Price: £1,200.00