1843 silver twopence - rather elusive!

[UK Decimal +]

The silver 2d was struck for circulation in the West Indies, dated 1838 and 1848 (I have an example of both of these).

The problem year is 1843.   Some listings give it, others show only 1838 and 1848, others say "some years for West Indies" (or similar wording).   Please note that I'm referring to circulation strikes, not Maundy.

Quantities given by KM are:
1838 Est. 1,045,000
1843 Est.   903,000
1848 Est.   261,000

I've never seen other than what are obviously Maundy examples on eBay.

Put simply, does the 1843-dated circulation strike exist?

Bill.

[UK Decimal +]

Here are 1838 and 1848 Circulation strikes surrounding an 1844 Maundy one (unfortunately soldered at some time).

Has anyone any thoughts on the possibility of 1843 Circulation coins existing?

Thanks,

Bill.

[malj1]

Here is the relevant note from Pridmore's Brit. Comm. of Nations. Part 3 West Indies.

[UK Decimal +]

Interesting - thank you.

The strange thing about this is that although the 1838 appear quite frequently, the 1848 are probably in lesser proportion to the number issued.   There seems to be a distinct shortage of 1843, where one would expect to see them almost as frequently as the 1838.

I have never seen an 1843 on eBay without it being an obvious Maundy issue.

I still suspect that the figures might be leading us astray.   I also wonder if old (existing from 1838) dies were used to the limit of their wear for some 1843 and 1848.   We must also remember that the figures are for new coins despatched from the mint and that some dated 1838 remained in stock, these being used for the later orders.   Added to this, there is a possibility that there were thoughts about issueing the 2d for use in Britain (or elsewhere) and that "extras" were struck for 1838 with this in mind.

Does anyone have a "worn" 1843 2d - or an illustration of one?

Bill.

[malj1]

I certainly agree that the mintage figures could be wrong and most likely include 1838 coins too, but I also believe that if Fred Pridmore said he had examined worn specimens then I certainly would not dispute that. I only have the 1838 2d.
Pridmore also states they only circulated in British Guiana, a consignment was sent to Sierra Leone but proved unpopular and £1500 were returned in 1839