1745 Half Crown Roses Question

[Paulus]

Hoping someone can shed some light ...

Bull/ESC lists the 45/45 variety (ESC 1686 (604A)) but not the 45/3, while Spink lists the 45/3 but not the 45/45 - do both exist, are the both the same but with a different 'interpretation', or is there a mistake in 1 of these reference books? 

 

[Rob]

Looks like a different interpretation given the reference numbers are the same. I can't comment as I don't have one.

[Paulus]

Thanks Rob, here's my example, that I'm wondering about. I think I'm in the 45/45 camp ...

[Cliff]

Page 507 of Coincraft's 2000 Standard Catalogue of English and UK Coins lists a "5 over 3" with no mention of 45/45.  From your excellent pics I'll join you in the 45/45 camp though.

[Rob]

That's certainly a 5 over 5, but it is quite possible, even likely that both exist. The chances of them using up every 1743 die exactly on the end of the year is something I wouldn't bet on. You do get overstrikes for virtually every previous year from 1732 onward - 1732/1, 1734/3, 35/34, 36/35, 39/35, 39/37, 41/39, 42/40, 43/41, 46/45 and 48/47 all spring to mind, so there is no reason why 1745/3 should be an exception. The output in all years was sufficient that there would always be a few dies in use.