I purchased an 1853 Victoria penny at a coin show today and am trying to find out some more about the series. Are there any websites that elaborate on the varieties available? I'll post a picture when I am near my scanner, but I would guess the grade at XF-45 or higher (there are traces of luster in the fields). For the very reasonable price I paid, I'm happy to get an education. I'm particularly interested in learning how the standard issue coins differ from this specimen/trial strike (because my recent purchase looks exactly like it to my untrained eye... only nicer!): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290521318407 What is the seller referring to with: "This specimen type may be considered as a proof, however it is not one of the standard copper proof issues as they usually do not have the extended ribbon next to the hair drop on the obverse." ?
this may help... http://www.michael-coins.co.uk/GBcopper1d2.htm spink only lists 2 varities (plain trident and ornate trident with far colon after DEF) plus 1 proof for 1853.
Thanks! This one seems to be an ornamental trident, and the 5 on my coin seems to be style D on that page. I'm trying to find out more about the tie ribbon varieties - this coin seems to have a tie ribbon similar to Tie Ribbon (Type 3) on this page: http://www.michael-coins.co.uk/cp1848 ribbon.htm Were those die clash errors on the 1853, or was there a trial die with these ribbon varieties? I'll try and post some scans when I get back home to my scanner tonight.
I'm still trying to pin down the date variety - does this look like a Type C or a Type D to you? http://www.michael-coins.co.uk/1853_penny.htm
Any British Copper experts care to weigh in? Here are some additional pictures (mouse over for larger versions):
While I understand the interest in date variations, it must be remembered that these were struck into the die by hand, and therefore there are bound to be variations with every die that was used. In addition there will have been a number of punches made which will differ one from another. The major changes in trident and colon position which occurred over a few years are rather more significant, IMHO.
