Unusual 1949 two-shilling

[Guest David]

I Have a two 1949 King George VI two-shilling pieces in my possession - one is what I would describe as a standard/normal two-shilling piece the other , however, is noticeably thinner and slightly smaller in diameter. There is a very thin raised rim on the smaller coin - unlike the standard coin which has a raised rim if about 1mm.

The lettering and detail on both sides of the smaller coin are clear and seem to be a similar depth to the standard coin and the type of metal seems to be identical on both. The edge of my standard coin is smooth (possibly through use) whilst the smaller coin has etched vertical lines.

I appreciate that without actually seeing the coin any appraisal is very difficult - However, I was wondering if anyone has come across this sort of coin before - I am hoping that someone may be able to shed some light on to how, or why, the coin is different, or as to whether you would suspect that the coin is a forgery.

[Chris Perkins]

If you register, you can attach a picture, I thinks that's the best thing to do.

[Geoff T]

The edge of my standard coin is smooth (possibly through use) whilst the smaller coin has etched vertical lines.

This sounds intriguing. Generally you would expect the standard coin to have a milled edge (if, indeed, this is what you mean by "etched vertical lines") and not a smooth one.

I know that in the late 1940s with the change from silver to cupro-nickel the Mint did experiment with various alloys, but I'd have to see these coins to comment any further.

One possibility is that one of your coins is actually not a British florin, although the differences between UK and colonial coins should be pretty apparent.

G

[Guest Dave]

Doh! - sorry Geoff, but on closer inspection the standard coin does have a milled edge - albeit quite faint - the edge on the smaller coin is very visible.

I'll try and get some pictures/scans and post them here soon.

Thanks for your reply.