IOM Mint Set – richukcoins®

Posted on 14/07/202128/11/2023 by richukcoins — Leave a comment

Isle of Man £2 Two Pounds Coin Virenium and Bimetallic From 1997

Published on 14/07/2021

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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.

#The End

Posted on 02/04/202118/03/2023 by richukcoins — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Decimal Coin the Laxey Water Wheel in 2004 and Tosha Cat in 2011

Isle of Man Decimal Coin the Laxey Water Wheel 2004 and Tosha Cat 2011

Published on 02/04/2021

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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 End

Posted on 30/10/201928/10/2021 by richukcoins — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Decimal Proof and Diamond Finish Coins 1978 vs. 1980 vs. 1981

Isle of Man Decimal Proof (PF) and Diamond Finish (DF) Coins 1978 vs. 1980

Published on 30/10/2019

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This topic, it is mainly going to talk about Isle of Man proof decimal coins in base metal pre-1980, for instance, a 1978 proof set. However, it covers 1981 diamond finish decimal coins. The reason of mentioning the 1981 decimal diamond set, obviously, is due to the first £5 (crown-sized) coin in Britain decimalisation system on the island. What is more, a 2017 50p commemorative coin struck at the Tower Mint will be a supportive point to echo this topic.

What had happened in 1978? At least 3 points to say. Firstly, most importantly, it was the year of the 25th Anniversary of Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Secondly, the first £1 round coin issued on the island for the first £1 coin in the British decimalisation system. Last, this proof technique was first showing in base metal coin, 2 years early than the Royal Mint. A 1978 proof set is the very first proof finish standard in base metal in Britain decimal coinage. Back at that time, there was not any proof sets or single coin at the market (e.g., particles, mirror-liked field etc) even the Royal Mint world-class minter had no product to show off, for instance, 1973 UK 50p coin Hands in Hands not struck with a proof finish standard and British decimal set in 1980 onward with a proof finish standard issued. Indeed, the 1978 proof set has enormous numismatic value in terms of collection value.

Above 3-point carried on a 1978 IOM proof set, it is all behind each 1978 proof set. A issue limit is unknown. But based on 1996 IOM silver proof set issue limit, for the purpose of celebrating the 25th decimalisation on the island, 1996 silver sets were produced, say 25–1996. Let we make a guess on 1978 issue limit, it could be like say 25–1978. However, it somehow has the base of 25. Therefore, a issue limit is between 25 (i.e., min.) and 1978 (i.e., max.). At this point, we conclude that the 1978 decimal CN proof set indicates that the closest relationship between the Tynwald government and British Monarch.

1978 Isle of Man Proof Decimal 8 Coins, mintage unknown

The 1978 proof set contains coins from 1/2d (the smallest value coin) up to Crown, 8-coin with a Pobjoy Mint medallion. The most interesting thing is virenium £1 coin within the set. Also this Pound coin makes a huge achievement in Britain decimalisation history–the very 1st Pound coin, considering Great Britain Pound coin issued in 1983. The 1978 proof set issue limit is unknown, this is very typically and mysteriously things they love to do. I personally would say it is 1,000 sets (or less, this would be dependent on the demand variable and the proof set popularity variable in 1978). Why is 1,000 sets? Please see 1981 Diamond Finish decimal 8-coin with £5 and 1972-74 decimal 6-coin, they are all 1,000 sets each.

It is said that they (the Pobjoy mint) upgraded their machinery in 1980 and declared Diamond Finish (DF) Standard for a higher standard finish to collector at same year. Actually, DF is highly likely a prooflike finish (see 2017 the Treasure of Isle of Man, “press once on pre-polished blank”), lower than proof finish standard in terms of grade. See supportive evidence that 2017 Isle of Man House of keys 50p proof coin. Tynwald did not allow their new staff IOM post office (used to be the Pobjoy mint job) sell and advertise 50p “proof” coin instead a letter from the Treasure cancelling wording “proof”, but coins were actually struck at a proof standard by their new minter the Tower mint. Here it is another story untold.

Next, it is 1980 diamond decimal set.

1980 Isle of Man Diamond Decimal 7 Coins, limited at 25,000 sets

You probably notice that coin grade between 1978 and 1980 is totally different. This is the significant difference between the two decimal sets in terms of coin finish standard. It is probably the reason they declared the diamond finish in 1980. The 1978 decimal set coin was struck at level of proof finish standard, however the 1980 set coin was only a diamond finish standard (i.e., prooflike finish). Also, the 1980 set had no crown sized coin with it. This might be a clue directing that a new higher nominal face value coin would be born in 1981? The DD batch code/die mark was shown on the 50p CN coin and BB on £1 coin in 1980. The prefix B and prefix D assigned on decimal diamond finish sets have had a stir internally, but finally the prefix B was the winner (please see IOM Xmas 50p diamond finish BC coin (1980/1981) and/or Gibraltar Xmas 50p DA coin (2019)). As you can see above, the 1978 50p proof coin has no die mark on (ND). Later soon, a 50p coin of a 1984 Decimal diamond finish set is ND as well. However, the first Xmas 50p coin with ND was struck in 1994 Wren hunt. At this moment, it has no any evidence indicating the relationship between a 50p proof coin w/ ND and a 50p proolike coin w/ ND. But array of the years, 1984 & 1994 and 1987 & 1997, are another things to look into.

Finally, 1981 diamond decimal set comes to an end of this topic.

1981 Isle of Man Diamond Decimal 8 Coins, limited at 1,000 sets

The year 1981, it had two different decimal sets, 7 coins without £5 crown-sized coin limited at 25,000 sets and 8 coins with £5 crown-sized coin limited at 1,000 sets. Eventually, it had a total of 26,000 sets. Oooohh, wait, 1,000 sets for 8-coin set, the no. 1,000 echoes a). 1,000 sets of 1972/73/74 decimal UNC 6-coin respectively and b). 1000 years of Tynwald 1979, the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Therefore, it concludes that the mintage of 1978 decimal proof set it was highly likely to set at 1,000. How many sets sold in the past, nobody knew.

#The End

Posted on 12/06/201828/10/2021 by richukcoins — 2 Comments

Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p Coin in 1971 1972 1973 & 1974 (BU version)

Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p PF coin in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974

Published on 12/06/2018

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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.

#The End

Posted on 08/11/201728/10/2021 by richukcoins — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Decimal Coin from 1971 to 2016, by sets and theme

Isle of Man Decimal Coin Collection Set from 1971 to 1975, by set and theme

Published on 08/11/2017

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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).)