1797 Cartwheel Penny

[tomthumb]

Hi to everyone this is my first of what I hope to be many posts on this forum.

I have recently acquired a cartwheel coin it is roughly 35mm x 3mm and weighs just short of an ounce, can any one tell me if it is a copy or not as it fits all known descriptions of a penny but the word Britannia only as one N

many thanks

[Rob]

Hi to everyone this is my first of what I hope to be many posts on this forum.

I have recently acquired a cartwheel coin it is roughly 35mm x 3mm and weighs just short of an ounce, can any one tell me if it is a copy or not as it fits all known descriptions of a penny but the word Britannia only as one N

many thanks

It's a very poor example of a 1797 penny. The first N is there, but corroded away. It's value is negligible.

[tomthumb]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the reply

The coin is worn but it is in better condition than the scan shows the picture does it no justice. what i was questioning was the fact that all the letters are there but the second N does not even have the faint imprint to show that it was once there even under an eyeglass x10. However thanks again for the reply and although its worthless so long as its not a fake to me its value lies in the fact that its a peice of history and as so should be treasured.

[Gary D]

It looks to be there to me, you can plainly see the bottom serif just above Britannia's head

[Red Riley]

It's a very poor example of a 1797 penny. The first N is there, but corroded away. It's value is negligible.

Can I just have a slight whinge about this reply. When we start collecting coins, we all start with pieces that are pretty much worthless. Although the original poster does not appear to have taken what could have been construed as a putdown personally, a more sensitive soul might. The sniffy attitude of existing collectors was one of the major problems I encountered when starting to collect coins over 40 years ago. Beginners need nurturing if our great and absorbing hobby is to grow.

To Tomthumb I say, that coin has every bit as much history, if not more, than a similar piece in uncirculated condition - it just doesn't have the value. If you stick with it, you will acquire better coins but you will always remember those, sometimes barely recognisable pieces which kindled your interest. Hang on in there!

[Bronze & Copper Collector]

It's a very poor example of a 1797 penny. The first N is there, but corroded away. It's value is negligible.

Can I just have a slight whinge about this reply. When we start collecting coins, we all start with pieces that are pretty much worthless. Although the original poster does not appear to have taken what could have been construed as a putdown personally, a more sensitive soul might. The sniffy attitude of existing collectors was one of the major problems I encountered when starting to collect coins over 40 years ago. Beginners need nurturing if our great and absorbing hobby is to grow.

To Tomthumb I say, that coin has every bit as much history, if not more, than a similar piece in uncirculated condition - it just doesn't have the value. If you stick with it, you will acquire better coins but you will always remember those, sometimes barely recognisable pieces which kindled your interest. Hang on in there!

AMEN to that!!!!!!!

[tomthumb]

Thanks for the information and support.

I have only been collecting for about 8 months and I mainly collect the coin sets and proofs but have aquired an interest for the odd older coin or two, I mean we all have to start some where dont we.

[Rob]

As the above complaint is obviously aimed at me - I apologise, no offence intended

[Red Riley]

As the above complaint is obviously aimed at me - I apologise, no offence intended

It wasn't a complaint, just an observation. I may have caught you on an off day, and if so I myself apologise. I do think I have a reasonable point though.

[Geordie582]

Despite the reason behind the conversation, do not forget the need to tell newbies the truth about condition, value etc. How else do they learn how NOT to be ripped off?

Edited November 1, 2006 by Geordie582

[tomthumb]

No offence taken rob I just presumed you were being truthful and honest with your guidance. As a Yorkshire man I do Prefer to be told it how it is.