1841 Halfpenny

[Mat]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

[argentumandcoins]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

Yes, there was a bronzed proof for 1841 according to Peck (listed as Very Rare).

Certainly looks good enough, but couldn't confirm without having it in the hand.

[Rob]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

Presumably with an inverted die axis?

[Peckris]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

The sharpness of the edge is a good indicator of a proof, as it's something that prooflike early strikes do NOT have. But yes, seeing it 'in hand' is the only sure way to tell.

[Mat]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

Presumably with an inverted die axis?

Yes the die axis is ↑↓

[Mat]

I have dealt with endless numbers of these vicky coppers, however this particular one (you cannot tell too much from the pic because of the lighting) appears to have a bronzed like surface. I know a lot of these can have a dark patina giving this affect, but this one just seems a little different as if it was minted with these surfaces. I do not have peck or freeman books, could someone please verify for me if an 1841 bronze proof copper halfpenny exists?

And what is your opinion of the picture? The edges and strike are exceptionally sharp despite the slight wear. It is much darker than shown, I should have done a scan opposed to photograph.

Thank you in advance...

The sharpness of the edge is a good indicator of a proof, as it's something that prooflike early strikes do NOT have. But yes, seeing it 'in hand' is the only sure way to tell.

The edge is certainly very sharp, more so on the obverse. Something else which I have never looked too much in to; The piece of hair that dangles off the bottom of the bun. On this specimen it is entirely detached from the bust. Most 1841 specimens I have looked at appear to have it attached. However many later years seem to have it detached. Is there anything in this or just worn/crud stuck in the die...

[Rob]

See my article in the Circular regarding these coins and relate it to the 1839/41 proof halfpenny in the confirmed unlisted varieties section.

If you could PM me a really hi res scan of both sides or alternatively send it to my website, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Mat]

See my article in the Circular regarding these coins and relate it to the 1839/41 proof halfpenny in the confirmed unlisted varieties section.

If you could PM me a really hi res scan of both sides or alternatively send it to my website, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Rob, please forward me your email address so I can send you the pics. The formum pm wont allow me to send to you, maybe your inbox is full...

Please can you also direct me to where your work is located on the 39/41 coins? I cannot find it.

Kind regards

Mathew

mathew_chetwynd@hotmail.com