please help. when is a 1814 half crown not a 1814 half crown.

[michanddave]

I`ve been trying to ID this coin for 3 months its in none of the reference books I have and it shouldnt really be as there never were any 1814 half crowns produced. The coins not silver it appears to be copper or a copper alloy. Its the correct diameter for a half crown (32mm) and the designed is the same as the 1816 bull head Half-crown. It only weighs in at 10 grams another indication that the metal is lighter than silver. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

 

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[PBK]

Apart from the off chance that it might be a formerly silvered counterfeit, one possibility that comes to mind is a game counter, as some of those closely imitated the designs of British coinage— too closely in some instances, according to the Crown. One of these pieces dated 1818 appeared on eBay U.K. earlier this year, and the seller suggested that it might be a "copper proof" (perhaps meaning a trial strike in copper, rather than a proof coin). At any rate, it sold for £5, or about $9.13 U.S. Here's a link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Strange-George-III-copper-coin-dated-1818_W0QQitemZ8415534297

 

[michanddave]

Thanks for that PBK, Its the weirdest coin I`ve come across.

 

[MalteseFalcon]

Seems to me it would not be worth forging. Face value was what, 30-pence or something? But then apparently they were a favorite to forge. There were George III dollars minted that were copper. And there were 1-oz George III pennies.

And yes, the only offical half-crowns were silver. Heck, you could not make a forgery out of copper and expect to spend it, as it would be recognized as such immediately.

Now THIS is a mystery!

 

[PBK]

Half a crown = 30 pence.

30 pence in 1814 = £6.19 in 2005, according to the website
http://eh.net/hmit/ppowerbp/

£6.19 is currently equal to $11.41 U.S.