I’ve always been a fan of the Great Britain bi-metal Model Penny so it was no surprise when this coin spoke to me. Have you seen one of these before? Does it speak to you too? Let’s post some bi-metal coins of the World. Great Britain 1848 Model Crown. This coin was designed in Birmingham by Joseph Moore as a proposal for a lightweight non-precious metal coinage. It was minted by Hyam Hyams, a London Goldsmith (as well as a watch & clock maker and moneychanger). It is 26.5mm and weighs 8 Grams. The type did circulate as evidenced by the circulated examples occasionally seen for sale. This one got an MS62 from PCGS. The Obverse depicts a left facing young bust of Queen Victoria surrounded by wreath of rose, shamrock, and thistle. The obverse states “Victoria Queen of Great Britain” & the date (in Roman Numerals). The Reverse bears the four shields of the United Kingdom encircled by the Garter with "Model Crown" above and “H. Hyams” below. This is a nice flashy Uncirculated example with attractive light toning highlights on the Silvering. Please post some of your favorite Bi-metalic coins. One of my favorites is Canada’s polar bear but I could never get a good photograph of mine. Please post ‘em if you got ‘em.
Neat! Is “model” just 19th century British-speak for “pattern,” or is there some additional meaning to it? How rare are these, and what’s a good way to study and buy them?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/IhJjiHjHQLu-hHC8_7SvnA https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces19751.html https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces21318.html
@alurid - Thanks for posting my favorite Model Penny the great polar bear. Also, the great web links are appreciated. I'll tell you, the Model Crown was not listed in any of my Great Britain & UK books including my Great Britain token books. I eventually found it listed in this 1897 Spink publication. At that time, Spink & Son's listed it at about 15 pounds in FDC. Let's see everyone's favorite bimetal coins.
The Model Coins are listed in the Catalog of Unusual World Coins. This is where the X# 24 designation is from I believe.
I've had some, including that type, I believe, but in nothing like that kind of quality. Nice. I found it interesting enough to go pull up your TrueView. Now I want another one.
I initially had trouble deciphering the date. The Roman numerals displayed in Gothic text really perplexed my feeble brain. Here it is in Arial font: MDCCCXLVIII.