Circulation or Maundy?

[UK Decimal +]

I have recently received a 1917 3d, which cost £0.99 on eBay!

The condition is described as AUNC and I certainly agree with this.   There is no discolouration.

The image is very sharp and it might be a Maundy issue.   Is there any way to see the difference between a very good circulation coin and a Maundy issue other than a 'Prooflike' appearance?

I am inclined to think that it might be a Maundy strike which has not been recognised as such.   My only coin which is definately a Maundy issue is an 1883 2d, but this has seen some use.

Any thoughts?

Bill.

[andyg]

The only way I know to tell is by the quality of the strike, Maundy coins have much sharper strikes than their circulation counterparts.  Perhaps you could post a scan?

[UK Decimal +]

Here are the scans, but please remember that any dark areas are reflection and not 'dirt' or patina.

Not bad for 99p!

Bill.

[andyg]

from the picture I'd guess that this one is a circulation piece rather than maundy.  It looks too flat to me, in particular George V doesn't have much hair.  Did you notice the die break above BRITT?

Nice purchase 

[translateltd]

Seconded.  Yes, interesting die crack - unusual to find one running parallel with the rim.

[tonyclayton]

Seconded.  Yes, interesting die crack - unusual to find one running parallel with the rim.

The threepence is 99% certain to be circulation rather than Maundy by the look of it.

Not so - a line of letters is a good initiator of fatigue cracking in dies.

They are just harder to spot

Here is another example