1854 Half Penny

[RLC35]

Here is an unusual 1854 Half Penny I found recently. It has a "A" for the "V" in Victoria. I have seen a "V" used for an "A" before (unbarred A), but never the reverse, like this one. Attached are pic's.

[azda]

Perhaps it began life as an A Bob then they overstruck the V As its been doublestruck by the looks of things

[RobJ]

Here is an unusual 1854 Half Penny I found recently. It has a "A" for the "V" in Victoria. I have seen a "V" used for an "A" before (unbarred A), but never the reverse, like this one.

That is an interesting find!

Perhaps you have discovered a new variety? lol

[Gary]

Clearly an A. You can clearly see the slightly offset V underneath as well. Nice find RLC35.

[Rob]

It's already known. Chingford already has one, and Michael Gouby had another a while ago.

[RLC35]

I conversed with John earlier, and we traded pic's of our coins. I also sent a copy to Michael, since he is said to have a example also. Thanks for the info Rob.

[Red Riley]

I conversed with John earlier, and we traded pic's of our coins. I also sent a copy to Michael, since he is said to have a example also. Thanks for the info Rob.

I have to say I find this sort of error, which is human in nature, very interesting whereas I am afraid those due to mechanical failures such as blocked and minute alterations in the positioning of letters and teeth leave me cold. This coin was produced some years before universal primary education (1870 rings a bell) and many of the mint workers would have been illiterate so would not have spotted their faux pas. Alternatively, the guy who punched the letters in may have had an off day, was thinking about something else? Who knows, but it's great fun to speculate.

Or perhaps I just come from the romantic wing of numismatics.

[RobJ]

Alternatively, the guy who punched the letters in may have had an off day, was thinking about something else? Who knows, but it's great fun to speculate.

Or perhaps I just come from the romantic wing of numismatics.

Perhaps the chap who punched the letters had a day off?

I agree that it is certainly fun to speculate on such matters. The 'Whats?' and the 'What ifs?' I find it all fascinating personally.

There is nothing wrong with being a romantic about coins. I tend to feel the same way.

I often wonder what the story is behind a coin. Where had it been along its journey? Who had used it? What had they purchased with it? How did it get little mark on its Rim?

For me personally that is an important part of being a Coin Collector. You have a little piece of history in your hands. Admire the coin, have fun and speculate, but most of all, enjoy it!