1700 1/2p - counterfeit or error?

[TerryT]

Seems every time I get an old British coin, I find something different. This 1700 1/2 p (29 mm., 9.6 gms.) has letters where they are not supposed to be. When I checked Tony Slayton's listings for type, I was surprised to see that instead of a stop or no stop after GVLIELMVS, this coin has an extra MV ! The original MVS are completely screwed up. The bust of the king also seems to be shorter than normal. On the reverse, there is an extra N beside Britannia's head. Any info would be appreciated.

[Rob]

It's genuine enough. It's a rotated and double struck example, hence the two heads and 4 tie ribbons. I've got a DIL 1698 with 2 heads, 4 ties and the obverse reading GVLIELMELM ERTIVTIVS with the reverse . BRBRITANIA•16981698

I've also got a 1697 with 2 heads and 4 ties reading GVLIELIELM TERTIVSVS and the reverse BRITAITANNNIA•

I think they look quite cool.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Rob

[TerryT]

Thanks very much for your reply.