1937 Proof Penny Obv. 2 + Rev. B

[Guest Robert Gray-Thompson]

Hi,

I have found, and have in my collection, a 1937 Proof Penny which has Obverse 2, and Reverse B, not recorded by Michael Freeman in his 2006 edition of The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain. Michael Gouby has seen, and confirmed this coin as being a 2 + B Proof penny. Michael mentions it in his book, but does not acknowledge the Obverse 2 in the 1937 Penny as being a seperate variety, but Freeman does. To remind everyone, the Obv. 2 has the 'the Vertical stroke of the 'P' of 'IMP' points slightly to the right (clockwise) of a border tooth'.

I have also noticed, and have three examples in my collection, a depression behind the ear - about 2 o'clock - of Queen Victoria in my 1897 Pennies. It is on the smooth part of the veil, and at it's most clear is a round depression about 1.5mm dia. The size and shape varies on the three coins that I have, suggesting that the projection on the die that caused it wore down. I have noticed it on Obverses where the date width is different, also it is on Obverses both where the full stop of T in T.B. is missing, and when it is there.

It would be great to hear from other penny nuts who have seen this depression, and should it be recognised as a known flaw?

Kind regards to all, Robert

[Gary D]

Hi,

I have found, and have in my collection, a 1937 Proof Penny which has Obverse 2, and Reverse B, not recorded by Michael Freeman in his 2006 edition of The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain. Michael Gouby has seen, and confirmed this coin as being a 2 + B Proof penny. Michael mentions it in his book, but does not acknowledge the Obverse 2 in the 1937 Penny as being a seperate variety, but Freeman does. To remind everyone, the Obv. 2 has the 'the Vertical stroke of the 'P' of 'IMP' points slightly to the right (clockwise) of a border tooth'.

I have also noticed, and have three examples in my collection, a depression behind the ear - about 2 o'clock - of Queen Victoria in my 1897 Pennies. It is on the smooth part of the veil, and at it's most clear is a round depression about 1.5mm dia. The size and shape varies on the three coins that I have, suggesting that the projection on the die that caused it wore down. I have noticed it on Obverses where the date width is different, also it is on Obverses both where the full stop of T in T.B. is missing, and when it is there.

It would be great to hear from other penny nuts who have seen this depression, and should it be recognised as a known flaw?

Kind regards to all, Robert

I have just added 2+B proof to my collection so I can confirm their existance. I wonder what their rariety is. CCGB quotes a total mintage of 26,400 for the 1937 proof penny. Freeman quotes R8 (12,00-20,000) for the 1+A and R10 (3.501-7,000) for the 1+B, so even worst case it must be at least R9 probably more likely an R11 or 12.