Hello friends. I found this coin in a bag of old pennies. It dates from 1948 and looks like a George VI half crown but struck in copper? The weight is 13.83 grams compared to the official weight of 14.14gm and I have analyzed the metal content as best I can with a spectrometer and it comes up at 87% copper 13 % nickel. It should be 75-25. Has anyone got any views on this because I cannot see the point of a counterfeit 1948 as it's not silver and has little value. Thanks for your input.
As far as I am aware, the last issue in silver (type 1) was 1946. The coinage act changed the composition to copper-nickel, although maintaining the same weight, and type 2 was minted for two years only. 1947-1948, with type 3 from 1949-1952.
Thanks yes that's what I think copper nickel type 2 so this one in copper not copper nickel is something unusual
I have a 1947 half crown, its weight is 13.91grams, within weight tolerance specification. Copper and nickel are next to each other on the periodic table with nickel being heavier than copper. So, a mix that has slightly less nickel will result in a lighter coin.
Kinda looks like it spent some time in the ground. One of the resident metal detectorists has several pictures of coins he's dug up that look very similar to this one.
Adding to my earlier post.... I think its @paddyman98 who has the pictures. If I'm right maybe he can post them here too....
The coin should be a KM# 866. It looks like it has been in a fire or buried underground for a long time.
Yes, this is a corroded coin almost assuredly. I have an halfcrown of 1963 struck in copper and will picture it shortly....LOL.....BTW, the NGC label is in error as it is struck on a full penny flans.
