The Christmas theme on 50p coin only the Gibraltar government keeps doing, but not minted by Pobjoy Mint Ltd after 2019. From recent news about 2021 Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin and £2 coin, you probably notice that they are proud of this great project. In contrast to the Isle of Man, they totally dump the idea behind and left the Christmas theme on £2 coin, called “Merry Christmas”. To the Mint itself, they still carry on minting Father Christmas 50p coin for the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and their own virenium Christmas medallion.
By reading the title, a Gibraltar £1 Pound Virenium Proof Coin made in 1988, it is really a difficult topic to illustrate here. Because it has no any written records about this coin. It is a coin or not, it all depends on the detail of COA. So, let we bring you our new coin today.
1988 Gibraltar £1 Pound Virenium Proof Coin with AA
Photograph: richukcoins®
Its COA
Photograph: richukcoins®
This is a special coin that has a very unique position in the numismatic world made by the British Pobjoy Mint in 1988. The reasons are as follows:
Rarity;
According to the COA, a limited batch of 100 coins was minted in 1988 for the purpose of commemorating 1st £1 Pound coin in Gibraltar, but subject to the approval of HM Queen Elizabeth II after 14/11/1988. A 100-coin sample means 100 pence is equal to £1.
A Proof standard stamped with AA;
It is not often to see a coin like a proof condition with AA made by the Pobjoy Mint. If you are very familiar with coins made by the Mint, it is easy to say that this coin is a sample, for instance, 1994 Isle of Man Christmas 50p silver proof coin with AA. Meanwhile, this £1 Virenium Proof coin with AA makes it rare very rare within the all decimal coin range in terms of proof grade, even right now.
Composition Virenium;
According to the Gibraltar Coinage Act 1990 (renamed in 2006 from the Gibraltar Coinage Ordinance 1990), metal Virenium is one of many possible metals list for £1 pound category in law. Also, it shows that Gibraltar’s Virenium is a combination of 81Cu/10Sn/9Ni. Bear in mind that the name of Virenium is a registered mark by the Mint. This type of Virenium looks very close to Nickel Brass in colour if you look hard. It is likely a possible reason apart from no any precious metals being allowed to strike £1 pound coins in 1988.
The Year 1988;
In the year 1983, UK 1st £1 pound coin was issued in Nickel Brass, silver Proof and silver proof piedfort and so forth. But, you find nothing when you search for Gibraltar 1st £1 pound coin only Nickel Brass type. However, the Gibraltar government issued 100 coins in platinum in 1989 for the 150th Anniversary of Gibraltar Coinage.
History.
A told story either word by word or written down is easy to explore but something still remains untold. This identified piece is a piece of history of Gibraltar coinage clearly.
From the perspective of financial terms, this coin is a financial instrument due to its very unique position demonstrated above. Right now it has been slabbed by NGC PF 68 UC (Cert # 2869941-001) which this extra security gives a buyer more confidence and value added with its designation. In terms of valuation, it all depends on people/collector how to value the Gibraltar coinage history, but sadly, nobody could tell you more and how much it is worth. Only here, it tells you information about this coin for free. This coin will soon or later trade like a 1989 Isle of Man £2 Virenium Blimp coin, be sure.
Reference
**The Gibraltar Coinage Act 1990 [Online].
**The Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar 1704-2014 by the Gibraltar Government [Online].
Isle of Man Christmas 50p Coin and Gibraltar Hercules £2 Coin by the Pobjoy Mint
Published on
Last Updated on:
A Isle of Man Christmas 50p Diamond Finish coin is the first of kind in the numismatic world since 1980 (30,000),
and,
Gibraltar Hercules £2 DF coin is an upgraded version of first version of Hercules made between 1997 and 2000 (2,750).
A diamond finish standard is a finish standard below a proof finish standard but above a brilliant uncirculated standard. Die and blank. buffed blanks, die(???).
Proof
The dies used to strike Proof coins are hand-finished to ensure that all imperfections are removed. Blanks are fed into the coin press by hand before being struck up to six times, at a lower speed and with less pressure than other finishes, to preserve the finer details of the design.
As a result of this extra care and attention, no more than 50 Proof coins can be struck within an hour. Proof dies are also regularly reworked to maintain the quality of the finish. Each Proof die may only strike a few hundred coins before it has to be repolished.
— the Royal Mint
BU
Sometimes referred to as ‘BU’, ‘B.U.’, or ‘B.UNC’, Brilliant Uncirculated coins are of a higher standard than circulating and bullion coins. An entry-level collectable, like Proof coins, the dies used to strike Brilliant Uncirculated coins are polished and finished by hand.
— the Royal Mint
What is a prooflike standard finish?
Based on information quoted by the Royal Mint, it is clear to say that die polished and buffed blanks are used to strike prooflike coins but with no special processes on like proof finish coins.
I have been not here for a while since last post while we are coming out from the woods slowly and safely, hope all collectors are doing good and keeping well. Today, I am going to bring you a fascinating news with regard to die trial pieces, First Ever, from the Royal Mint during Collect Week 2021. In this post, you are going to see some insights of the die trial pieces auction and how important are die trial pieces in the coining process before and after.
Let we start it with some basic terms, this is a easy step to give us a starting point of knowing die trial pieces more. Here it is the official explanation published by the Royal Mint. Generally speaking, a die trial piece is a sample piece made before bulk production.
Trial pieces are not actually coins, because as follows:
>> have not gone through the processes of A). the trial of the Pyx (Latin pyxis, small box), and B). the ratification of the Royal Proclamation;
>> have new security features added A). microtext, and B). a latent image;
>> 3 pieces for each design denomination, one for the Royal Mint Museum, as always, one for the Royal Mint itself for a running standard, and the last one is down to collector’s hand.
— Gordon Summers, the Mint’s Chief Engraver
Trial pieces were auctioned via the Royal Mint website on 26th September 2021 by the way of Hybrid (a combination of timed manner and w/ an auctioneer). It is the very first time in its history either the way of selling or offering trial pieces for sale on its own. A list of 61 lots in total were up for sale and the offering range has covered two parts on the list in terms of metal purity, 0.916 and 0.999 gold coins w/ a few silver coins. The product variety in terms of theme design had most sought-after Kew Gardens 50p coin, the Sovereign series, Three Graces from the great engravers series, of course, a longer waiting one James Bond 007 (premiered on 28/09/2021 in London) and others.
Most trial pieces up for auction were (carefully?) picked up from the limited range of the trial of the Pyx sold, meaning a Britannia New Pence 50p gold proof coin in blister matches one of many trial pieces a Britannia New Pence 50p gold proof coin, but a Celebration of Sherlock HolmesTM 2019 UK 50p gold proof coin was not in 61-lot auction. At this point and stage, on the one hand, the Mint pried a bit room on a sturdy door from the perspective of the Mint market demand. Are they going to flood the market with more to come or just one-off time? It all comes down to collector’s pocket now. At the present moment, collectors are yet psychologically hooked up by the term of Royal Mint Trial. However our data suggests clearly that the Mint are carefully cultivating many royal followers. On the existing market, the most sought-after trial pieces are the 5 kilo and 2 kilo (see NGC 5880629-001 PF69UCA) Una and the Lion (both w/o security design) in terms of weight and innovation. On the other hand, it is hard to see the direction of this type of trial pieces “coin” going from the perspective of collectors. It is a pretty new concept, like they say, First Ever. It takes time and only time can tell worth it or not if a collector is after one.
On the auction day (i.e., a second past 1200pm to 90 mins later), 4 items were unsold of 61 lots (6.6% unsold) and the total price realised £389,800 (hammer price) in 90 mins, and VAT contribution was made up to almost £78,000 plus 4% extra on top of the hammer price. Next, we present auction highlights (all excl. BP):
**Lot 7 — G50P Kew Gardens 2019 sold at 26K (prebid at 24K);
**Lot 45 — G2oz 3 Graces 2020 sold at 17K (prebid at 15K), and
**Lot 52 — G10oz 3 Graces 2021 sold at 25K (no prebid).
The most interesting part during the auction was from Lot 1 to Lot 13, not only the first 5 lots contain errors but the bidding process was in a excessive and uncontrolled manner, plus another part from lot 28 to lot 39. This two parts consist of all legal tender coins. It is like they said in title after main title “Hybrid”. Invoices were sent out after 4 or 5 WORKING days due to some system failure issues.
Is it easy to find a piece in a secondary market? How often you can see one appearance? How much the last is sold? Many many question raised, but who can tell, only time tells you later.
In 1997, a UK monometallic £2 coin was changed its own face to a bimetallic £2 coin from monometallic and resized its weight as well, and this is a big change of the modern British coinage since 1971. Of course, the Isle of Man followed suits without any gap in terms of time. There was a rumour either British one or the IOM one about portraits used in 1997. At the end of the day, however, it is NOT true about the rumour, just because we are too young to naive. Here, we are going to cover and exploit the 1997 IOM portraits in depth, and sit tide and enjoy it.
Two different types of IOM a £2 coin from 1997 in terms of metal are existed, virenium £2, and bimetallic £2. Under bimetallic £2, obverse with small portrait and with large portrait are co-existed. So, the first rumour it is: they mistakenly used a wrong portrait on bimetallic coins. Let me provide some information before you make your own solid answer. Firstly, it is a soft connection between virenium and bimetallic (i.e., metals with past and future). Secondly, they keep things separated strictly between circulating coins and circulating commemorative coins during the period of the sporting change theme and also echoes British £2 coin same year. Thirdly, most importantly, it is to reflect the symbol of the Isle of Man triskelion (i.e, the three legs). This simply echoes the 1979 privy t and the tri-£1 coins set in 1979 as well. The reverse of a £2 coin depicts 3 well-known race cars, E-type Jaguar, 1906 Rolls Royce and 1904 Napier.
1997 £2 Virenium Coin from the Isle of Man
1997 £2 (with large portrait) Coin from the Isle of Man
1997 £2 (with small portrait) Coin from the Isle of Man
Which one from above is more hard to find out as a collector’s item among £2 coins they issued in 1997. Of course, it is the virenium ones. First, there is a clear clue that a virenium £2 coin and a large type of 50p coin together were originally slabbed in the 1997 decimal coin mint set. Secondly, a virenium £2 coin can only be seen from a mint set as all circulated ones eventually were recycled. Thirdly, a virenium £2 coin and a large 50p ND DF from 1996 became aware of them in a 1997 mint set. The two 50p coins mentioned here (in diameter of 30mm) are sought-after collector items in a way that 1996 50p ND DF is for the 25th decimalisation anniversary.
The £2 virenium version coin you can find from our eShop on eBay, richukcoins®, or you can contact us if we come to a deal in a cheaper and direct way.
1997 decimal mint set coin with large 50p AA coin from 1997
1997 decimal mint set coin with large 50p ND DF coin from 1996
From the above pictures, your first impression would be that the 50p coins in centre position are sought-after (with no mintage limitation both). In reality, you are not going to see the 2-coin often. Somehow, the 50p coins in centre were also made in 3 different versions (i.e., two different AAs and ND for 1996, 2 larges and 1 small for 1997). Meanwhile, the £2 Virenium coin is originally slabbed in two different versions of year blister set, you have no doubt to say that it was issued in a small amount of number.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p Coin in Grade from 1980 to 2016
Published on
Last Updated on:
Part II
Here it comes Part II where a new part introduces how did the Pobjoy Mint make a start of the IOM Xmas 50p at the beginning of the year 1980, and a 2nd time improvement happened in 1994. We have talked many things in Part I (if you have missed is, please click here).
1980 Christmas 50p coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#1>
The 1980 UNC<#1>, BB, is the most strange one you have ever come across at the beginning of 1980, not only the BB diemark associated with but also the lowest standard in grade in a row. This one breaks the rule of prefix B equivalent to prooflike. However, it is only the one in the series.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#2>
The 1980 UNC<#2>, BB, in contrast to the 1980 UNC<#1>, is much better in terms of finish standard. A light frosting effect and the likely mirror-liked field can be seen.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#3>
The 1980 UNC<#3>, BC, in contrast to the 1980 UNC<#2>, is better, and great than the 1980 UNC<#1>. Also, this type of coins is named Diamond Finish (DF) officially. First impression you have is a bit more whity and easily toned in nature condition. The mirror-liked field it is getting to see clearly.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#4>
The 1980 UNC<#4>, BD, single digit D was used for striking silver metal coin.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#5>
The 1980 UNC<#5>, BE, single digit E was used for striking silver metal coin as well.
Things are getting more complicated beyond this point. First, mule coins exist. Second, reverse has many versions even many variants in a single version. Last, no any record for the Xmas 50p coin it has in place.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6>
The 1980 UNC<#6>, BF, has squared-rim especially on the obverse side.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.1>
The 1980 UNC<#6.1>, BF, has the frosting effect very clear.
1980 UNC<#6>'s reverse vs. 1980 UNC<#6.1>'s reverse
Credit: richukcoins®
1980 Christmas 50p Mule Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.2>
1980 Christmas 50p Mule Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.3>
At this point, you have seen many different variants including Mule coins from 1980. It concludes that nobody knew what would be the best finish for the IOM Xmas series in line with no proof coins in base metal at the beginning of the Xmas venture. One thing is clear that the young Pobjoy Mint ltd was keen to make and/or invent something new in numismatic world at age of 15 years really. Another the owner of the Mint shared the things happened behind the closed door externally with collectors as well.
Next, the turning point it shows in 1994, and was last for a consecutive 3 years period. The pattern was like AA-ND and the first introduction of No Diemark (ND) coin in the Xmas 50p series.
1994 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#1>
1994 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#3>
Note: UNC<#1> indicates uncirculated coin that has struck once only, and associated with AA normally. UNC<#3> is a circulating commemorative coin that is done by twice striking with polished dies and specially prepared blanks, and it has ND eventually. UNC<#2> is something between UNC<#1> and UNC<#3> and sometimes with and/or without BB diemark. UNC<#4> and beyond is more like experiments. The pattern is like AA-BB-ND in general. Once you have had an understanding of the IOM diemarks, perhaps you are going to see and enjoy how wonderful the IOM xmas series is before 2010. A third grading company like NGC or PCGS gives a mark PL+ on coin made up to 1998 and MS+ DPL/PL for 1999 and onwards. This info shows how coin quality switched off after 1999.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p Coin in Grade from 1999 to 2016
Published on
Last Updated on:
Part I
Here, it is a very very interesting topic to present in a way either valuation or numismatic value. This topic also is important to collectors who are keen to Christmas 50p base metal coin in modern British Isles coinage history (other than GB coin). Because the more layers we tear off, the more value you can add on the IOM Xmas series. Frankly, it is only here you are able to find out more information on what actually so-called Diamond Finish is. In the early days (say, pre-1997), a Diamond Finish standard (hereafter DF) is a combination of advanced dies (ie., polished) and advanced planchets (ie., buffed), for instance, 1980 IOM Xmas 50p coin associated with BBs-BC-BD-BE-BFs-BFs(Mule). However, the Isle of Man Christmas 50p coin made after 1999, it let you feel that collectors pay a higher price for low quality item made from normal/advanced Dies and normal blanks.
So, let we introduce a UNC coin without mentioning dies and planchets in detail first, as follows:
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
From the above <#1> pictures, it is hard to tell you what is what, but a base-line point is well established. It is a normal 50p coin which you are able to find it in your pocket money. However, if you look for further detail on the coin, a AA die mark could be spotted at 8 o’clock position. Alongside of that, You are going to see NO squared-rim easily.
Still, another UNC coin, as follows:
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2>
From the above <#2> pictures, you are going to see more details on the coin compared to UNC <#1>, but this time, a BB die mark noted on at 8 o’clock position and the mirrored-like field. A variant of UNC <#2> named <#2.1> shows a bit low quality in contrast to UNC <#2>, which is associated with no die mark (hereafter ND).
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2.1>
let we have a close look at obverse each,
BB’s obverse (UNC <#2>) vs. ND’s obverse (UNC <#2.1>)
At this point, two different coins in grade are established. A UNC <#1> coin is a circulating coin, or Mint Statue (hereafter MS) grade from a 3rd grading company. A UNC either <#2> or <#2.1> coin is a circulating commemorative coin or MS Prooflike.
The last grade in a row, it goes to UNC <#3>.
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#3>
UNC <#3> is also a circulating commemorative coin but a MS Deep PL standard from a 3rd grading company.
Having said that without mentioning dies and planchets, it concludes that most importantly there were no any BUNC 50p coins made in the IOM Xmas series. UNC <#1> was under strike one time and two times for <#2> and <#2.1>, however, three times for UNC <#3>. What is more, the AA and BB die marks were an indication to tell the significant difference between circulating and circulating commemorative coins in principle. However, die marks (with or without) had less information on grades but were able to give you direct information about a xmas coin wether circulating coin or circulating commemorative coin. Obviously, it was hard to follow when the sudden appearance of the existence of ND type of coins. Therefore, UNC (or MS), DF (or MS PL) and DF with Deep prooflike (or MS DPL) were well established and defined here.
A complicated case is list below from the IOM xmas series. UNC and DF coins share the BB die mark at the same time.
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
Yes, a BB die mark is easily spotted, but does not necessarily say it is a UNC <#2> or <#3> coin. The above coin is actually a UNC <#1> coin.
Now, it presents a UNC <#2> and <#2.1> coin as below,
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2>
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2.1>
Having said the 1999 IOM Xmas 50p coin mainly, a balanced picture needs to keep in mind. A more complicated case compared cross panel is going to be presented here in relation to same year 50p coin in the IOM Xmas series. we now have to cover the 1999 Xmas 50p coin from Gibraltar (ie., the Mint works on a same topic for two different people, ironically, the Mint has lost the right to mint Gibraltar coinage since 2004). This time, it is your turn to tell us what is it.
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from Gibraltar — UNC <#2>? or <#3>?
Do not get me wrong here, the BB die mark does not say or indicate UNC <#2> in grade equally and definitely. What I have talked here is that how to identify a DF standard with and without the die marks.
We are moving to the period of 1999 to 2016 that reveals how the quality of coins drops in years.
First of all, it will be the year 2004 and then 2016 in the second place. There is a pattern of AA-BA-ND in both years when the BA die mark has been used. Meanwhile, the AA die mark is simultaneously existed in relation to the BA die mark as well. Most significantly, the Manx cat in the first place has a farewell appearance in 2004 and drops completely from the IOM Xmas series in 2005. What is more, the p has no place after the 50 denomination in 2016. This echoes back to the very beginning of the IOM Xmas series in 1980. These information are a way to express the internal side of the story.
2004 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
2016 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
The frosting effect can be seen clearly in both. However, in contrast to ND and BA 50p coins made in same years, the above coins are no better in terms of grade and even worse than UNC <#1> from 1999. A assumption is set up here that the two AA die mark coins are very specially made in the first place but reason(s) unknown.
Last, I want to mention a point here that not all AA diemarks stand for UNC or struck on base metal but there is an exception see below.
Isle of Man Decimal Coin the Laxey Water Wheel 2004 and Tosha Cat 2011
Published on
Last Updated on:
Actually, I do not want to talk about the Laxey water wheel itself, but just generally specify the fact of the Laxey water wheel being on IOM coinage over time.
Part I
According to wikipedia, the Laxey Water Wheel is the largest working wheel in the world. This landscape you are able to see is not only on IOM coins but also on its banknotes. Here, we talk about the Laxey water wheel on decimal coins mainly. In terms of the Laxey water wheel, we are not going through its history instead of discovering the Laxey water wheel the object on 2004 IOM coins. Hereafter, you are going to see interesting things behind on coins.
1976 — 1979, the Laxey Water Wheel on nominal 5p coin (i.e., 5×10^0);
2004, the Laxey Water Wheel the 150 Anniversary on nominal Xmas 50p coin (i.e., 5×10^1);
2004 — 2016, the Laxey Water Wheel was upgraded to nominal £5 virenium coin (i.e., 5×10^2);
2004, the Isle of Man government issue a Tourist Trophy 50p coin 2004-verison.
Based on the facts above, you probably notice two things already. One thing is that the first appearance of the Laxey water wheel lasts 9 years by the way of (1 + 8) years, and the second appearance is 24 years later since 1979, 3 times of the length of 1st appearance (excluded 1 year). In the same time, the third appearance straightly jumps to £5 coin with no any breaks in 2004. Totally, the Laxey Water Wheel covers 40 years on IOM coins made by the Pobjoy Mint. Within 40 year, you can feel and see the logic and consistency. Also, here it is the answer to the IOM Xmas series the Laxey water wheel appeared in 2004.
Another thing is that it is (up to) three 50p coins in a row in 2004, meaning, 1x circulating coin (i.e., 1x Milner’s Tower currency coin) and 2x commemorative circulating coins (i.e., 1x Xmas series 50p coin & 1x T.T. series 50p coin). Similar thing happened in 1994, PC 50p coin, Xmas 50p coin and Legislative building 50p coin. Normally they do one circulating 50p coin and one commemorative circulating 50p coin same time. However, it is massive production in contrast to recent IOM 50p coin issues, like 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup 50p coin (x5), 2018 Sapphire Coronation 50p coin (x5)). Note 2012 4x 50p coins it is a special case and 2 Xmas 50p coins in a row in 2008 and it failed to do so.
Part II
IOM decimal coin Collection set normally it has two versions, with £5 (9-coin) and without £5 (8-coins) on the secondary market in 2004 onwards. Originally, it started a 6-coin decimal set in 1971 by the Royal Mint. Due to unknown reason(s), a decimal coin 8-coin set is less seeing than a 9-coin set. However, a 2011 decimal coin collection set (9-coin) is very different in terms of £2 and 50p coin. The two coins are both commemorative. It is hard to see this in a year mint set from 2004 onwards.
2011 Isle of Man Decimal Collection Coin set (9-coin)
2011 IOM £2 UNC coin Tosha Cat
2011 IOM 50p UNC coin Yamaha at TT 50 years
To sum up, we talked the Laxey water wheel on 2004 IOM coins especially 50p coins and 2011 £2 coin Tosha cat as well. The year 2004, it was a turning point either to the Tynwald Court or to the then Minter.
The 50p Xmas coin market in the UK is still young and takes time to become a good and reasonable market. However, Christmas 50p coin from Gibraltar is getting a mess and slowly moving on to their £2 coin like the Isle of Man. The sooner or later collectors will go back for obtaining original ones definitely. This is the destiny of Xmas-theme related coin — failure vs. commercialisation. Firstly, the concept of a Xmas coin is no longer a potential financial instrument as it was. Because the issuer has the absolute right in control of a mintage number. What is more, collectors are being treated like milk cows. Furthermore, people can re-sell goods in hands at a higher price on a secondary market after the IPO (i.e., initial public offering) for the purpose of quick bucks where is only the stimulus driven people to do so. If you take some time to wait a bit further, all will slow down and even be collapsed in price. Collectors have not learnt from this market and events held in the past, history will repeat itself many times, website crash down after website crash down, again and again. Last, it is inconsistency in the entire GIB Xmas series. From Day 1 to date, the Gibraltar government have employed two mints, as follows:
1988 to 2003, the Pobjoy mint;
And,
2004 to 2016, the Tower mint;
And,
2017 to 2019, back to the Pobjoy mint;
And,
2020 to day, back to the Tower mint again.
The above changes lead designs of coinage and striking quality are poor over time.
However, in contrast to Christmas 50p coin from the Isle of Man, the government of the Isle of Man is doing much better. One thing you obviously see through from the IOM Xmas series is consistency, of course, 2015 not counted. At some degree, the entire IOM Xmas series is a good investment portfolio in the long run term. Sadly, the full stop has been made in 2017 by the Tynwald Court. The IOM Xmas 50p series went commercial once in 2003, they felt good, and went twice in 2008, still good, and sadly burst in 2014.
Here, you are only able to see Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin from 1988 to 2003 ONLY, due to the main constraint of data made available by the Pobjoy Mint. Let we start with 1988 first as follows:
1988 Gibraltar Xmas 50p UNC coin
We have to talk about a 1988 Gibraltar £1 Virenium Proof coin when we come across the very first Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin. In theory, a die mark can be easily spotted on Xmas 50p coins made by the Pobjoy Mint. However, it has no such sign. Secondly, the very first Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin is made really poor in terms of coin quality. These coins are not classified as a Diamond Finish standard coin. Bear in mind that this is not what I am defining it, and all evidence will be merged in 1989 onwards to 2003.
1988 Gibraltar £1 Virenium Proof Coin
After this point, you are able to see so-called Diamond Finish (DF) 50p coin from Gibraltar. Note all samples you are going to see were acquired from coin in card.
1989 Gibraltar Xmas 50p Diamond Finish (DF) coin
1990 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1991 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1992 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1993 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1994 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1995 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1996 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1997 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1998 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1999 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
After this point, you are going to see designs are NOT nested in a wreath which means a full design on reverse.
2000 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2001 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2002 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2003 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
Each year, 30,000 Gibraltar Xmas 50p coins are commissioned based on COA. The number of 30,000 is a maximum no. that the Mint is allowed to mint coins. Note the Mint itself has is a unique position in this case, because the Mint is a private limited company not any government-owned minter. From the perspective of the Pobjoy Mint, the level of a certain number of coins made is fundamentally important.
I am aware that it is only a short part of Gibraltar Xmas series from 1988 to 2020 (so far, 1993 and 2002 missing as well). The above coins illustrated are minted by the Pobjoy Mint. This is the reason that this short part exists. Xmas series either from the Isle of Man or Gibraltar are really good numismatic products in terms of design and technique. In modern time, it is hard to find such good arts designed by heart and made by modern people with no commercial intension first.
Royal Mint 50p coin Kew Gardens 2009 in NGC holder
Published on
Last Updated on:
How to store your coin collection? It is not easy to get around this topic. First, put all your coins into coin capsules, nice and neat, most importantly, a cost efficient way. However, if you are keen to give your coins extra value added on, a third grading company is the best choice in the first place. This will make a far away long debate, whether you need to do it or not, but it is your coin and your call if costs are not counted.
Today, we are going to illustrate a coin where is chosen from NGC database. Also this coin is a bit controversial. Let we have a look this coin first.
2009 Kew Gardens 50p BUNC coin, NGC slabbed MS69 DPL
Credit: NGC database/online
One more, same kind but graded not as good as like the first one where you have seen above, as follows,
2009 Kew Gardens 50p BUNC Coin, NGC slabbed MS66 DPL
Credit: NGC database/online
If you want to have a HD picture, no worries, just simply take id no. down on a piece of paper next to you and type them in NGC website. Bingo! Cost effect — upside.
The two coins shown are both graded as Mint State with Deep Prooflike (ie., strike type) by NGC. This is also the interesting point we are going to say here.
As of an announcement made in 2014 by the Royal Mint, only 210,000 Kew Gardens 50p coins were issued in circulation. All Kew Gardens 50p coin-related increased a lot in value and in any way like the two coins above. However, people understood the news a bit wrong. Because circulation Kew Gardens 50p coin and non-circulating Kew Gardens 50p coin are not a same thing in this case. It clearly shows the results from the grading company–DPL. Right now, it is really hard to obtain a MS60+ this kind coin if graded by NGC. All MS60+ w/ DPL come from decimal year mint set and/or PNC cover and/or single pack etc. Highly possibly, a MS60+ grade (ie., MS65 and above) could only come from a sealed bag of 20 coins where a few people collect sealed bag coins.
At this point, if you donot follow what are we talking about here. I am going to give your a different coin from the same grader in terms of MS60+.
Please have a look at the coin as follows:
2009 Blue Peter 50p UNC coin, NGC slabbed MS68
Credit: NGC database/online
A Blue Peter 50p UNC coin, in any way, it is a very rare coin technically and holds a value very much high as time flies by. Only a few was issued for circulation, but in this case, for retail sales purpose ONLY. And this one is far better than 1992/93 EEC 50p coin in terms of mintage. Why the Royal Mint are not saying anything about Blue Peter 2009? The rest of story, you and me all know it. A Blue Peter 50p (2009) coin in folder was sold for £311 online platform based on data in Jan of 2021. A MS69 coin slabbed by NGC is nice and popular and hot, but hard to get a MS70 from NGC or another. A Blue Peter 50p UNC coin in original folder, cut or keep, this question comes back to you again — YOUR CALL! However, according to NGC database, a MS+PL coin is also graded within this kind. It can be understood that the Royal Mint striking quality is world-class even one strike. To sum up, NGC has results graded like MS+ & MS+PL among Blue Peter and MS+DPL among Kew Gardens on 50p coins in 2009. If you have a big sample size, say 10x Blue Peter or more, you could do it if costs are not counted, and Good Luck!
Disclaimer:
I dont own any coins illustrated here, and public information was used to create this post. And I donot get any advantage by publishing a slabbed coin by a third grading company.
Royal Mint 50p of the 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day (D-day) in 2021
Published on
Last Updated on:
On the day 15/02/2021, it will be 50 years by the existence of decimalisation in British coinage since 1971. Also, this day is so-called D-day (interesting, first thought it is D-day landing, but actually stands for decimal day). In the decimalisation system, on the basis of a decimal coin set of 6 coins (from 1/2p to 50p) was initially issued in 1971, and to date a 8-coin set from 1p to £2 is in use (excluding commemorative coins).
From the moment right now backwards to D-day, probably it has been a long story over 50 years, like a 50p coin with dual-date on rev. (1992/93), a 50p silver proof coin of the 25th anniversary of decimal day (D-day) in 1996, 50p coin resized from 30mm to 27.3mm in diameter and weight from 13g to 8g as well (1997), most popular a 50p Kew Gardens coin (2009, 210,000 coins in circulation), the composer’s name Benjamin Britten on rev. with Queen same time (2013) and extra.
Things, will be covered in this article, are like a 50p silver proof coin from the 25th Anniversary of D-day, a 50p BUNC coin from the 50th Anniversary of D-day. This article aims to give you a unique view on the development of decimalisation over time. However, it is hard to see really. One technique, micro inscription is used on £1 bi-12-sided coin on 28 of March, 2017 for the security purpose.
1996 50p silver proof coin. A Seated-Britannia 50p silver proof coin comes only from 1996 silver proof coin set. This set is a 7-coin silver set that commemorates the 25th Anniversary of decimalisation. All 7 coins are minted in sterling silver (0.9250) with denominations from 1p to £1 at cost of £95. According to its COA, 15,000 sets are permitted to sell. Smaller denominations like 1p 2p are first time to see in silver from the start of D-day to 1996. The 50p silver proof coin is the key bonus of the set. From the perspective of collectors, the 50p coin is the first 50p coin in silver to keep in your collection cabinet, and the first circulating 50p coin in silver as well. Furthermore, the silver coin set has greater intrinsic value undiscovered. Because it is the first British proof coin set in sterling silver since 1911 (note 1935 1937 issues only with 50% silver).
Seated-Britannia 50p silver proof coin for the 25th Anniversary of D-day in 1996
Credit: richukcoins®
2021 50p BUNC coin. It is very interesting to see on obv. two different portraits used on 50p coin namely 2nd and 5th and on rev. a nostalgic design. The two portraits used are only on base metal.
Nostalgic 50p BUNC coin for the 50th Anniversary of D-day in 2021
Credit: Royal Mint/Online
Top row from pictures shown above, a 50p BUNC coin with 2nd portrait is ONLY available from annual set containing 13-coin at cost of £55. It is the very smart marketing strategy on the 50th Anniversary of D-day. Bottom row shows a 50p BUNC coin with 5th portrait coming from individual pack at cost of £10. Also, this type of coin is available in silver and gold as well. Eventually, it will cost you in total of £65 (exl. delivery cost) for the two different portraits.
The 25h anniversary, the 50th anniversary, they represent special occasions in our daily life. To the Mint, it is good time to make great money, and to collectors, you have to buy them from the Mint, because you never know who is going to be next Kew and not available in our change. With the development of technology, more different techniques should be exercised on coins to represent our daily life and society situation, and more circulating commemorative coins should be released to the market.
It is a bit ironic that people donot like decimal coins 50 years ago. On the mark of 50 years today, people are keen to collect them. The decimal coins have not been changed much, but people changed a lot.
