Hello Everyone. I hope someone can help. I have come across a Silver 1806 Bahamas penny. I thought it was plated, but the weight is lighter compared to a regular 1806 Bahamas penny and the detail is sharp and not burred as with most plating. Has anyone heard that they minted any “special coins” of this variety to commemorate it being the first issue at the time. Thanks…Distandfriend :headbang:
Howdy friend - Welcome to the Forum !! Now that's an odd one. The Bahamas issued 1 coin and only 1 coin in all of the 1800's - the 1806 penny. According to the Krause catalog all of them were copper. There was a variety of the 1806 version that was gilt. They issued 4 different varieties of the 1806 in Proof and circulation strikes. And they issued an 1807 Proof, but no circulation strikes for 1807. So, if you have one that is lighter than normal, I would suspect a counterfeit because with them issuing only 1 coin in the entire century - it is extremely unlikely that they would have any off metal or wrong planchet errors.
Hello and thank you for your fast reply. It definitely isn’t a counterfeit as the detail is too perfect, must be the best plate job ever. When you say gilt, what exactly is that and of what material? DF
Typically when a coin is gilt it is plated with gold. But the plating is extremely thin, so thin that it adds no detectable weight increase.
Thank you GDJMSP for all your help. Is there any chance you have numbers of each minted for 1806. I have 12 with engrailed edges and one that is smooth. I have never seen another with a smooth edge. DF
Thank you again. What is the difference between proof strike and regular strike? Less numbers, not for distribution? Would be more collectable? DF
Proof is a method of manufacture, coins struck from specially prepared planchets with specially prepared dies. And yes, normally they make a lot less of the Proofs. But in this case, as I said, the plain edge Proof was a restrike. And typically restrikes have litte if any value.
Thank you for all your knowledge GDJMSP, I can’t seem to find anything online or at my local library regarding this coin. You had mentioned there were a few different varieties and on closer look, I have two distinct lettering groups. The bottoms of the letters are either straight or curved. Can you refer a link or book that might help to learn more? DF
It's not knowledge, it's a book. I've never even looked at one of the coins before. All I did was look it up in the Krause catalog. And everything there is to know in there, you already now know. The varieties are easy - 1806 engrailed edge 1806 Proof engrailed edge 1806 Proof plain edge - restrike 1806 engrailed edge - Gilt - restrike 1807 Proof engrailed edge
