george 111 halfpenny

[Guest mike dowd]

i know nothing of coins but have identified the coin i have as a george 111 half penny 1799. the thing is that the opposite side appears upside down. is this normal? i would appreciate any info.

[Geoff T]

Yes. it's perfectly normal. This is what is called a reverse die axis and was the norm until well into the 19th century. Modern coins use a parallel die axis - i.e. the heads and tails are both the same way up. In the past this was standard practice for medals and older coins struck this way, like the post 1816 George III half crowns, are referred to as being "en medaille".

Geoff

BTW - which variety of the 1799 do you have?

[Guest mike dowd]

thanks for the info.as for the variety i have no idea, i only know it appears to be the same as one i have seen described as a G111 halfpenny