Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p PF coin in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974
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Today, I shall bring you the most wanted proof decimal sets from the Isle of Man in 1971/1972/1973/1974. All sets presented here are BU for the purpose of illustration. We will have a look each set first and then focus on 50p coin each year from 1971 to 1974. The 1971 BU set was made by the Royal Mint and but the 1972/1973/1974 BU sets were definitely struck at the Pobjoy Mint in 1975. Over this period (1971 to 1974), you are looking for proof coins probably. However, it is really hard to find out.
1971 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: blue inner sleeve.
1972 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
1973 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
1974 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
Now, let we break sets down into 50p coins only from 1971 to 1974. You have probably noticed things in common above that all sets showing here are BU in grade and 1972 to 1974 plastic folders are in light blue colour however 1971 is in navy blue colour. Do you know that the UK was adopted the decimal system in currency in 1971 and the Isle of Man followed suit. In 1971, the Isle of Man had 3 types of finish of decimal coins from the Royal Mint, as follows, Specimen, Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof. Based on this root/consistency, you should have found Specimen, Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof coins from the Pobjoy Mint in 1972/1973/194. However, it is hard to be true, actually only 2 types of coin existence namely BU and Proof.
Now, let us move on the details of each 50p coin from the sets above.
1. 1971 50p BU coin. This coin (or the set) was sourced from Germany. Actually, it is really unbelievable such set and such place I got. It is hard to make it up, because all coins from 1/2d to 50p are still showing mint lustre.
1.1 1971 50p BU coin.
2. 1972 50p BU coin. It is a 50p coin from the Isle of Man with a limit mintage of 1,000 coins. 1,000 pieces made in 1975, UNBELIEVABLE!!! It is somehow correlated with the event in 1979, Millennium of Tynwald. The entire thing is not a single and unrelated point but very strongly connected to a workable proposal submitted in 1972 by Mr D Pobjoy. It is said by collectors that all most of this kind were in a very serious collector’s hand, s/he was not keen to sell the coins. This causes 1972 50ps not cheap in the market.
2.1 1972 50p BU coin.
3. 1973 50p BU coin. 1,000 pieces were made in 1975 as well. The difference between a BU coin and a PF coin is by looking at the E of Second on obverse. Only a few proof coins were minted within the allowance.
3.1 1973 50p BU coin.
4. 1974 50p BU coin. 1,000 pieces made in 1975 as well. The difference between a BU coin and a PF coin is by looking at the E of Second on obverse. Only a few proof coins were minted within the allowance.
4.1 1974 50p BU coin.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are 3 variants in 50p coins like Specimen, BU and Proof made in 1971. During the period of 1972 to 1974, there are only 2 variants in 50p coins like BU as shown above and Proof as follows. At this point, you are now able to see a 1974 50p proof coin, because it is only a sample to illustrate what does 50p proof look like.
E1. 1974 50p Proof coin.
E2. BU obverse vs. PF obverse.
E3. The significance difference between BU and PF 50p coins.
From above, two things are clearly showing that firstly, a IOM 50p BU coin bearing 1971 exists and is hard to find out. Secondly, IOM 50p PF coins over the period of 1971 to 1974 were made in 1975 which can be found in the current market. The difference between a 50p BU coin and a 50p PF coin is by looking at the E of SECOND on obverse. Only the difference can tell you how to distinguish a BU coin and a PF coin. There is a very interesting question to ask how many did the Pobjoy mint produce those 50p proof coins? Of course, as usual, a small proportion was taken off from planned 1,000 pieces each year for 1972/73/74 respectively. Therefore, in order to answer it, my assumption is based on a weight of 1/4 (=0.25) and 1/10 (=0.10), then (max.) 250 (=0.25*1,000) proof coins and (min. 100) (=0.10*1,000) proof coins. Don’t ask me why, but you will know more than me if you know history of the Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p coin in 1982 with the babycrib privy mark
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It is very interesting to talk about this babycrib privy. Because, 1982 it is the year of birth of future King in the UK. Also, it is only the commemorative coin to celebrate this great moment on British coinage. Normally, the batch code on 1982 50p coins should have done with AA (or similar code), but the code was AC only instead AA (or similar code) and then a small portion of the privy coins was on BU coins and proof coins, of course silver coins as well. The AC die letters is really a sign to let you recall 1979 AC ones as quick as you can.
The medallion found only in silver collector sets.
Let we start with AC circulating 50p coins first. If you have a little bit knowledge of die marks (or batch codes) on the Pobjoy Mint coins, you probably notice that the appearance of AC it is really special this year. The die mark of AC we have talked in other article, please find it from Die Marks AC on categories on your right bar. Therefore, this kind of 50p coins with AC are really normal ones.
1982 Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p coin with AC.
Here, it confirms that sequence C is used to commemorate a special occasion or event on IOM numismatic products. Also, the C is absolute right under control of the IOM government, meaning the C representing Tynwald.
Soon later, because the existence (–birth of future King in the UK–) of this important moment, the Mint updated 1982 circulating 50p coins to a very special privy babycrib on BUN coins Proof coins and Silver proof coins.
1982 Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p BU coin with the babaycrib privy.
Therefore, a common 1982 IOM 50p coins has two versions ordinary and special ones. For special ones, they made them on CN with/out a proof finish, and on silver with a proof finish as well.
1982 Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p PF coin with the babycrib privy.
1982 Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p Silver PF coin with the babycrib privy.
Last not least, the stamp issued in 1982 was really beautiful.
1982 Isle of Man stamp.
It seems all happiness stopped there, that smile, and the was-little baby in crib is now expecting a third child in their family. Time flies by fast, but where is the women in that photo?
I spend many words on the Pobjoy Mint in all my blogs. But one day, I realise that I only spend a few words on the Tynwald. I was wrong, because I did not see the relationship between the Tynwald and the Pobjoy Mint. The Pobjoy mint is a minter, and is nothing without any permission from a government. Some good coins produced by the Pobjoy mint on behalf of the government of Isle of Man (the Tynwald) were presenting the relationship between the Tynwald and England. For instance, 1979 50p coins, 1982 50ps and 2012 50ps. I personally encourage you to learn history of IOM, and then you will see more valuable coins made by the Pobjoy mint.
Isle of Man Decimal Coin Collection Set from 1971 to 1975, by set and theme
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In this article, you are going to see two parts, named Part I and Part II. In Part I, it is a part to illustrate decimal coin by set, and by theme in Part II.
Part I (by set)
It is very interesting to talk about this topic. Because the 1971 IOM coin collection sets were struck at the Royal Mint, and the 1972 to 1975 sets then were struck at the Pobjoy Mint. But, Tynwald, the IOM government entity, had to require its own consistency on IOM coinage at the beginning of decimal coinage system. Therefore, the 1972 to 1974 sets had to be struck in 1975. Remember that IOM Year coin collection set had the specimen finish (SF) set, Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish set and Proof (PF) finish set in 1971, what sets would possibly be in 1975. The answer is SF (or BU) sets only. In order to illustrate each set, 50p coin from each set are used to show the difference among them (see pictures below). With regard to 1971 coin sets, the SF set was presented in plastic holder and the PF set in a white square box both made by the Royal Mint. Interestingly, the BU sets was all stored in Perspex folder made by the Pobjoy Mint when I sourced them.
1971 Viking 50p Specimen Finish (SF) coin from the Royal Mint folder set
1971 Viking 50p Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) from the Royal Mint BU set
1971 Viking 50p Proof (PF) coin from the Royal Mint proof set
1972 50p Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin from original the Pobjoy Mint BU set
1973 50p Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin from original the Pobjoy Mint BU set
1974 50p Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin from original the Pobjoy Mint BU set
1975 Specimen Finish (SF) set
You have seen year coin collection sets above from 1971 to 1975. It is worth mentioning that the Pobjoy mint did really good a start for Tynwald especially over the period between the two mints in transit. They smoothly shifted the PF sets of 1971 to 1974 and the BU sets of 1972 to 1975. Probably, it is only just a sign for the number 4 related circle. The ball is in your hands what will you do?
Part II (by theme)
Here we go, …
1975 Viking boat in full-sail 50p coin (Start, PM)
(Note: The reverse was created by the Royal Mint. This coin below it belongs to 1972/1973/1974 theme. Therefore, BU kind — (1972/73/74/75) & PF kind — (1971/72/73/74).)
1976 IOM Viking longboat 50p coin with Odin’s Raven in 1976/1977/1978/1979(t)
1979 IOM Viking Millennium Voyage 50p coin, associated with A/B/C/D sequence, in 1979
(Note: Tynwald Millennium Voyage and Royal Visit IOM events were held in July simultaneously.)
1980 IOM Viking boat in full-sail 50p coin in 1980aa/81aa/82ac/83aa
1984 IOM Viking boat in shield 50p coin in 1984aa/85aa/86aa/87aa
1988 IOM Personal Computer 50p coin in 1988aa/89aa/90aa/91aa & 1992aa/93aa/94aa/95aa
1996 IOM T.T.-related 50p coin in 1996aa (large)/97aa (large)/98aa/99aa
2000 IOM Christianity 50p coin in 2000aa/01aa/02aa/03aa
2004 IOM Miller’s Tower 50p coin in 2004aa/05aa/06aa/07aa & 2008aa/09aa/10aa/11aa & 2012aa/13aa/14aa/15aa & 2016aa (The End, PM)
The 4th portrait and the 5th portrait of Q E II and the Pobjoy own portrait in transit in 2015 from the perspectives of Tynwald and the Pobjoy Mint. In order to know more about Q E II portraits in details, visit Royal Mint website [adapted on 23/08/2018]. (Note: The Pobjoy own portrait was only used on circulating commemorative coins (i.e., IOM T.T. and Xmas).)
Note for this part: Die letters may vary from coins to coins above over the period of 1979 to 2016. However, we use AA/aa version instead here.
First of all, this chapter is all about Isle of Man Viking Boat/Longboat heptagon 50p coins in 1979 including 1980. Metals will come across between copper-nickel (i.e., CN) and silver (i.e., AG) at the same time. Secondly, more importantly, it is a way to explore 50p coins struck by the Pobjoy mint (hereafter, the Mint) in 1979 ONLY to celebrate the Viking event and the Royal Visit IOM as well. The Pobjoy Mint is a limited company registered in England and Wales, and their mint mark is the capital letters of PM. They first introduced so-called the batch codes (i.e., AA/AB/…) in 1978. The batch codes are somehow, in a way, consistent of a key information to transiting a complex picture of the viking boat in full-sail 50p coins in 1979 & 1980. However, on the other hands, the codes show off how much effort(s) the Mint used to build up IOM coinage in later 1970s.
In order to understand or have a clear picture of 1979 IOM Viking Boat 50p coins, we start them off from 1979 Viking Long Boat 50p silver proof coin where comes from year silver proof set, because this one is a very good starting point to be mentioned here. Therefore, you are able to see all 1979 50p silver proof coins as follows:
Viking Long-boat over the island 50p Coin with t privy (x1 PF, year proof set)*,
Viking Boat voyage 50p coin with D batch code (x2 PFs, individual)*,
Viking Boat voyage 50p coin with E batch code (x1 PF, individual)*,
Viking Boat voyage 50p coin with F batch code (x1 PF + x1 BU, individual)*,
Viking Boat voyage 50p coin with D batch code in 1980 (x1 PF, individual, very special one)*.
(Note*: PF stands for proof, BU= brilliant uncirculated. The year set means the place the coin comes from. Individual means the coin presents in a gift/collector box.)
Bearing in mind that,
a). if you are very clear above 50p silver coins, you may continue to read information below. Or
b). if you are very familiar with all 50p coins on CN, we hope it may give you more extra info to amend your own picture on all 50p coins in 1979.
1. Viking Long-boat 50p Coin over the island with the t privy (PF, year proof set)
From 1976 to 1979, all reverses are Viking the Long-boat with Odin’s Raven over the island. Both obverse and reverse sides are noted the Mint mark (PM) from 1977 to 1979. Interestingly, the double mint mark on a coin has changed after the t privy appeared in 1979, instead one-side with the mint mark (i.e., “obverse”, it normally is underneath the bust) and another side with a theme (i.e., “reverse”) plus a two-digit batch code (i.e., a letter for precious metals, two letters for base metals). Also, the batch code was first introduced in 1978. Variation(s) can be seen in 2 & 3 below.
Note:
IOM coinages in transit–a), banknotes 50p stop circulating after 1979. These require enormous 50p coins in place; b), the reverse’s design is no longer over the island, and become a art related design; c), the design transfers to Millennium voyage from Odin’s raven in 1979, and most importantly it is one year reverse only.
Viking Long-boat 50p silver proof coin over the island with the t privy below.
1.1 Currency coins (a set of 4 coins exclusive has two designs at the same time with and/or without the privy t)
—01 AA(t) (i.e., the AA production batch codes with the privy t and PM both sides at the same time).
—02 AB(t) (i.e., the AB production batch codes with the privy t and PM both sides at the same time).
In brief, the privy t cancels the PM mint mark on reverse in pictures shown in 1.1.01 and 1.1.02,
and,
The privy t is moving on sail instead Odin’s Raven,
and,
The privy t existence shows the existence of the production codes AA/AB as well.
—03 AA (the AA production batch codes with Manx Millennium Voyage and PM on obverse only, and the privy t has gone).
—04 AB (the AB production batch codes with Manx Millennium Voyage and PM on obverse only, and the privy t has gone).
In brief, the privy t is on sail Manx Millennium Voyage surrounding in pictures shown in 1.1.03 and 1.1.04,
and,
The new design matches replica men shipped down from Norway in July 1979,
and,
The production codes AA/AB are in place,
and,
The new designed Viking 50p coins were used to commemorate Q.E. II Royal visit IOM 1979.
—05 AA (UNC From square box)
—06 AB (UNC From square box)
In brief, pictures shown in 1.1.05 and 1.1.06 indicate that the coins have better quality and details.
To sum up for this part, the production batch codes were AA(t), AA, AB(t) and AB only upon with two different reverse’s designs on 50p CN coins. But one variety only was in file on 50p silver coins (see Category I). First, the batch codes are letters from A to B. But it understands a simple metric used (2×2) based on a coin has two sides. The batch code contains a lot of information but we do not know them without help from the mint. Secondly, the object on the longboat in full-sail was one of the Odin’s Ravens. However, due to the fact of Viking the Millennium, Viking the boat in full-sail was being changed to Millennium Voyage specially designed for Tynwald Millennium in 1979. Also, Viking the boat voyage was one year type only design in Viking boats series. Finally, the t privy is also a signal to tell collectors that the privy has a very important meaning this year. Sadly, there is no a place could confirm it.
In Norse mythology, Huginn (from Old Norse “thought”) and Muninn (Old Norse “desire” or “memory” or “mind”) are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to the God, Odin. Apparently, only one raven was found on the reverse design from 1976 to 1979 (with t).
2. Viking Boat 50p Silver Proof Coin associated with D & F batch codes
This type of coin is named as a Tynwald set which echoes silver coin in part 1 above. It has two variants in terms of metal in this part, sterling silver coin (see 2.1 and 2.2) and copper-nickel (CN) coin (see 2.3). A total number of 100k silver coins were minted (i.e., 100k = 30k (from D batch below) + 70k (from F batch below)). This 100k means a lot either to Tynwald or the Mint itself. Note: 1K = Millennium; 70k = 50k (1979 CN edges-inscribed coins in green boxes) + 20K (1980 CN edges-inscribed coins in folder, library finish).
2.1 D batch code without edge inscription silver (PF, individual) Note:
PF in grade @ an issue limit of 30,000 coins.
Edges NO inscription.
This is for non-inscription proof.
2.2 F batch code without edge inscription silver (BU, individual) Note:
BU in grade @ an issue limit of 70,000 coins.
Frosted mirrored-field on rev. & obv..
But edges WITHOUT inscription.
This cert is for F non-inscription BU.
2.3 Fifty pence coin in copper-nickel
I. Day of Tynwald
—01a Edge with lettering, AA, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 50k, COA says)
—01b Edge with lettering, AA, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 50k, COA says)
II. Day of Tynwald
—02a Edge no inscription, AB, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 100k, COA says)
—02b Edge no inscription, AB, a Prooflike finish, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 100k, COA says)
III. Day of Tynwald
—03a Edge no inscription, AC, a plain Satin finish, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 100k, COA says)
—03b Edge with lettering, AC, a special one in 1980, specially for attending the NY Viking show in 1980, from a grey folder (limited @ 20k, COA says)
IV. Day of Tynwald
—04a Edge with lettering, AD, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 50k, COA says)
—04b Edge with lettering, AD, specially for Tynwald Millennium Voyage in 1979, from a green box (limited @ 50k, COA says)
Fifty pence coins in copper-nickel above, (mainly come from square boxes and/or green (or black) presentation boxes mean that the coins), have very much different quality in grade. Two combinations we have talked here between part I and part II. One, the privy t with AA (from circulation) + the privy t with AB (from circulation) + AA (from circulation) + AB (from circulation) = 4 as a set. Two, AA (from I 01a & 01b above) + AB (from I 02a & 02b above) + AC (from III 03a & 03b above) + AD (from IV 04a & 04b above) = 8 as a set. Note the number 8 is equal to 7 PLUS 1. The 1 is a very special one, but everything in die letters, it means two arrays 7 and 8 (=4×2). The numbers 4 and 7 are very interesting if you know IOM history.
To sum up, we have talked about 2x 50p silver coins and 4x 50p coins in CN with different finishes. This class which contains 2 silver coins and 4 CN coins was named as a Tynwald set. Also, the reverse design made by the Pobjoy Mint was one year only in 1979.
3. Viking Boat 50p Silver Proof Coins associated with D & E & F batch codes
This type of coins is named as a Royal Visit IOM set with a issue limit of 30k. This 30k means lots (i.e., 30k = 5k (from D below) + 5k (from E below) + 10k (from F below) + 10k (from Part 1 silver coin)).
3.1 D batch code with edge inscription silver coin (PF, individual) Note:
PF grade @ 5,000 coins,
Inscribed on edges “ROYAL VISIT I. O. M JULY 1979 H. M Q. E – II” –(clockwise, from 9 position). Note proper reading it should be H.M__Q.E-II__ROYAL__VISIT__I.O.M.__JULY__1979
This is for PF inscribed.
3.2 E batch code with edge inscription silver coin (PF, individual) Note:
PF grade @ 5,000 coins,
Edges inscribed.
Only PF (E die) silver coin noted from this variety
Proper reading it should be H.M__Q.E-II__ROYAL__VISIT__I.O.M.__JULY__1979
This cert is for PF inscribed.
3.3 F batch code with edge inscription silver coin (BU, individual) Note:
BU grade @ 10,000 coins,
Matte finish on both sides.
BUT, inscribed on edges “ROYAL VISIT I. O. M JULY 1979 H. M Q. E – II” –(clockwise, from 9 position). Proper reading it should be H.M__Q.E-II__ROYAL__VISIT__I.O.M.__JULY__1979
This cert is for BU inscribed.
3.4 CN 50p coins
to be continued…, but it is hard to be updated over time. This is because the sample required is extremely huge.
Note: Each info contained within this table can be found from Part I/II/III, and M see Xmas 50p coins.
To sum up, 3x 50p silver proof coins have been talked. A table was created to let you interpret more in your own way. In terms of all different variants 1979 50p coins inscribed, it was hard to be true that we could summarise them all here, due to lack of sample.
4. 1980 Viking boat 50p silver proof coin with D batch code
This class is named as the Viking Show New York Exhibition set. The 5k mintage means a lot. Also, these numbers like 30k(=20k+10k)
This is for non-inscription proof.
This cert is for F non-inscription BU.
This is for PF inscribed.
This cert is for PF inscribed.
This cert is for BU inscribed.