What did I find? Is this a 1891 British half penny?

[PatrickD]

Hi Everyone,

Ok, I have been preparing a part of my yard for a brick patio. That means digging out the dirt about six inches down and clearing out roots. I am also sifting through the dirt and getting it ready for some raised flower beds.

I dig up this round thing that I thought was a metal plug. (I didn't have my glasses on and couldn't see anything as it just looked smooth.) Later, I brought it in and looked at it under a magnifying glass. I saw the outline of a head and some letters. So, I cleaned it and tried to get a picture of it.



I did a quick internet search of the letters I can read. This is what I found:

" One halfpenny (Victoria, 1891)

coin

ISSU Victoria 1891 United Kingdom


Materials:
metal (bronze)
Dimensions:
25mm diameter
Marks:
Obv: "Young Head"; around VICTORIA D G BRITT REG F D Rev: Britannia seated; HALF PENNY around; 1891 in exergue

What do you think? In my yard in Texas.

Patrick

 

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[Argentium]

I can't make out the date on yours from that pic , but it looks like you have the type of coin correct - Nice Find .
(the diameter 25 mm for the Half Penny - will at least give you the denomination )

 

[Inspector]

nice find. talk about when you least expect it !!! WTG

 

[jewelerguy]

could be a half penny or a penny. I'm not sure, but I think that particular head design dates from about 1860 to 1890-something. One of the Brits on the forum could tell you more of course.

 

[park pirate]

She's smooth but good find...

 

[g-olden years]

Neat surprise! I find it fascinating that your worn coin clearly passed through many hands over the years before being dropped. That little coin may have traveled more than most of us do in a lifetime. Andi

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Awesome find right in your own yard! Congrats! Soon they 'll just be jumping out of the ground at you! Don't forget to duck! Ouch!

 

[CRUSADER]

Size will tell you if its a Halfpenny or Penny, but yes its one of those.

 

[EasternShoreMetal]

You know, you might have enough details on that thing to do a rubbing, it may show a few more details. IMHO The back looks a little different than the one underneath. Still it must be the same type..
But either way GREAT FIND! Congrats. HH

 

[WHADIFIND]

I resemble that subject line!

Nice find!