1853 -1855 Heaton Mint Coppers

[Teg]

Hi,

Before I try and look into this theory more closely:-

1D ornamental trident.

1/2 D Rev B (tenuous)

1/4 D Obv 3 - ww incuse

could all have been introduced to differentiate production from the Heaton mint.

Has this been done before - and if so does anyone have any references?

Thanks

Teg

[Red Riley]

Hi,

Before I try and look into this theory more closely:-

1D ornamental trident.

1/2 D Rev B (tenuous)

1/4 D Obv 3 - ww incuse

could all have been introduced to differentiate production from the Heaton mint.

Has this been done before - and if so does anyone have any references?

Thanks

Teg

I don't want to throw cold water on the theory, but later in the century especially with the bronze pennies of 1874-79, significantly different (i.e. narrow/wide date) reverses were still being produced. By that time, the practice of inserting an 'H' to signify Heaton-produced coins had become established and so the likelihood of one or the other being produced by them is very slim, particularly as H's appear on both narrow and wide date varieties for the years 1874 and 1876.

[Teg]

Thanks for the reply Red Riley.

The Heaton mint did produce did produce coppers 1853 - 1855. About 500 tonnes worth. Before this they were supplying Cu blanks to the mint.

As you say in the 1870's when Heaton produced bronze they put a H under the date to differentiate them.

They also produced bronze 1860 - 1863, as discussed by Michael in his book.

The fact that they did not put an obvious mark - like H in 1853 - 1855 made me wonder if design changes like a plain rather than ornamental trident on the pennys, was a private distinguishing mark.

Why for instance would the farthing change in 1853 to obverse 3 with ww incuse instead of raised? If not to differentiate between Mint and Heaton production in that year.

During this period about 1/4 of the total copper production was by Heaton - and most of it was sent to alleviate a copper shortage in Ireland. Does any Irish based collector have any ideas on local relative rarity of different types during these years?

Obviously a lot of this is not very clear cut. Plenty more work to be done on it - which was the main reason for asking here if it had been explored before.

Thanks

Teg