1734 halfpenny variations

[UK Decimal +]

CY2010 shows two versions for this coin, 1734/3 (4 over 3) and 1734 no stop on obverse.

This one has the year correctly shown, but clearly has a '.' after REX.

The diameter is 27.7 to 28.9mm and weight 8.29g.

A variation?   Any information would be appreciated.

Bill.

[andyg]

sorry Bill, I don't have a 1734 halfpenny to compare it with

[Figleaf]

Hard to say, but look at how the 4 is misaligned with the rest of the date. There may yet be a three there somewhere, that suffered from wear or a filled die.

Peter

[UK Decimal +]

sorry Bill, I don't have a 1734 halfpenny to compare it with

I got it as one of a batch of 'mixed old coins'.

Hard to say, but look at how the 4 is misaligned with the rest of the date. There may yet be a three there somewhere, that suffered from wear or a filled die.

Peter

I've studied it and am happy that it is a true 1734.   Some of the dates on coins like this tend to partly follow the circumferamce.

Bill.

[constanius]

 
Note the spacings between the 'A's & the 'stop's, 3 die variations.  The A moves farther away from the stop & closer to the I. 

Quite a few other differences, one of which is Britannia's hand points above or below the T.

Note also Britannia's foot is in front of the 1 and the bottom of the spear points to the 1 on all but your halfpenny, on yours the spear points to the 7 & the foot is above the 1.

So at least 4 different dies with the stop!!! 

[constanius]

A metal detecting find which seems to be the same as your example.

 
The only one with the 4 in line with the 3. At least 5 variants with stop.

[UK Decimal +]

We're getting some really interesting information here.   Thank you.

My original question was about the . on the obverse after REX, but it seems that there are far too many variations for a small book to list.

Bill.

[constanius]

Sorry Bill, I misread the question, but it just goes to show how many different dies were used in just the one year for the reverse.  Every reverse image I found on the web was different, what a surprise.

You could build a collection just of 1734 halfpenny variants, luckily I mainly collect medals & tokens.  Minded I enjoyed the research.

All most forgot, all the obverses I saw had the . after REX.

Pat. 

[Figleaf]

Many of the genuine trade tokens of the late 18th century show different alignment between legend and central design. I presume legend and main design were engraved separately, though I am at a loss to explain why.

Peter

[tonyclayton]

I have a useful little booklet published by Seaby in 1969 called 'British Copper Coins and their values.

It lists three versions for 1734

1734    20/- in Fine
1734 Date altered from 1733 45/- in Fine
1734 No stops on obv. 40/- in Fine

Thus I fear you have the most common variety!!

[UK Decimal +]

Thanks for the information Tony.   Out of interest, it came as the poorest of a batch of nine mixed coins which cost me 64p each (average).

Bill.