While Thalia Elizabeth's favorite monarch remains Queen Elizabeth II, we have been working our way backwards as well in UK coinage. Thanks to another CT member :hug: Thalia was able to extend the string back to William IV, who preceded Queen Victoria. At the latest meeting of my local coin club, I was able to pick up a very inexpensive (albeit pretty worn) half penny for William IV's predecessor, George IV. (Or George IIII as it is on the coin). As I explained to Thalia, that means we only need one more monarch to reach all the way back to the time when the United States were the colonies. That would, of course, be George III. I've been told that won't be too difficult or expensive. We're looking forward to looking back, in a sense... (Those "cartwheels" are kind of nice...)
George,if you can find an example of the 1773 Halfpenny from Virginia,then you will have the only coin that was ever authorised for colonial British America by the British Government. I haven't yet got any of the colonial American coins (pre-1776) myself,but it is a series that would interest me. Aidan.
George III "Cartwheels" (Twopences and pennies, pattern halfpennies and farthings). The pennies are fairly common in Vg, but in XF you will be paying $350 for an example.....50% more than that for the twopences. Proofs exist, many being struck after 1797. I have a twopence in F condition which cost me $70....very nice coins anyway.... The proofs are in the $500+ region. Anyway, have a good look !
I think we'd be looking at VG on the cartwheels, Jerome... Interesting story on the Virginia halfpenny, Aidan, I'll have to check that out.
George,the British coins of the 1797,1799,& 1806-07 issues actually have the mintname,as opposed to a mintmark.The name 'SOHO' can be found located behind Britannia's shield on the reverse.The Soho Mint was located in Birmingham,England. Aidan.
I picked up an 1806 halfpenny fairly inexpensively off ebay several months ago. So if *I* find it affordable, then it can't cost much. I'm working on a set of British pennies, hoping to work my way back as well. I'm still in the midst of Victoria (and a few 1900s key date coins). If only the coins could talk.
Topher,some of the Farthings are pretty pricey,especially the 1860 copper Farthing.Both the copper Halfpenny & Penny are also worth a lot of money.There are several subtypes in the 1860 bronze coins,especially with regards as to the beading just in by the rim of the coins.Some of these subtypes are scarce. Aidan.
Aidan, I know, that's what has slowed me down. But still, I am working backwards slowly. So far, I've only picked up coins when they've been a bargain, and stayed away from seeking out a particular coin/date. (Well, I did specifically go after the 1918KN and 1919KN specifically.)
Topher,the 1875H 1d. is a difficult coin to find in Great Britain,but are commonly found over here in New Zealand.The 2 scarcest dates in King George VI 1d. coins is both the 1950 & 1951.I have both dates.Don't bother trying to find the 1933 1d.,as there was only 7 or 8 struck,mostly for use in foundation stones of buildings. Aidan.
