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In this short part, it will give you some basic ideas how to interpret AC die marks on IOM 50ps. Each single dye mark not only follows a metric but also is having their own information contained. By the way, a single dye mark is only for precious alloy. It is a period of HONEYMOON between the Tynwald and the Mint that has seen from the die marks invented in 1980s. More importantly, this part only covers 50p CN coins made by the Pobjoy mint from 1972 to the end of March 2017. But sadly, they divorced in March 2017.
- 1978 IOM £1 coin with BC
This BC die marks on £1 round virenium pound coin is the very first the sequence C shown on Isle of Man decimal coinage. Also, this BC is the very first die marks revealed under the Prefix B as well. In 1978, it was the 25th anniversary of Q. E. II Coronation. Note, the AC (a year after) and BC (two years late) die marks were both shifted on 50p coin in terms of denomination/face value.
- 1979 Viking boat 50p coin with AC
This AC die mark on 50p coin is the very first signal that bears on Isle of Man decimal coinage. It has a very interesting story behind it. The second circulating coin theme, replica Viking boat, was entirely designed and used by the Pobjoy mint only once in 1979. The first circulating coin theme was revealed in 1976. With regard to this AC coin finish, it is better than BU but less than PF/PL.
- 1980 Xmas 50p coin with BC
- 1981 Xmas 50p coins with BC
This BC die marks on 50p Xmas coin is another story to talk about. First, it is the way how do you understand the letters of BC in the Xmas series, of course, “Before Christ”. They (the Mint) intentionally used the sequence C to celebrating something, but it ended with two BC in the entire series, which are 1980 (BC) and 1981 (BC). 1981 BC can be seen below.
Instead of AC, BC appeared on Xmas 50p coins in 1980 and 1981. It has two meanings of BC in 1980. One, commemorative coins on b batch coins. It tells the difference between A batch and B batch. It can be understood that they (the Mint) tried to issue two different types of coins for collectors. Two, it also can be understood the meaning of BC as Before Christ. At this point, it is very clear to say that A batch code means circulating commemorative coins, and B batch code means commemorative coins. The BC die letter were noted in 1981, in the same year, a IOM £5 coin was issued. Therefore, the sequence C under the Prefix B means a lot from the perspective of the Mint.
- 1982 Viking boat 50p coin with AC
This AC was used in 1982, three years later after the first one in 1979, to commemorating the birth of Prince of William, King of the future. In the meanwhile, the babycrib privy (b) appeared instead of AC on proof coins. This confirms somehow the sequence C contains really important information nested. Remember AC is circulating commemorative coins, meaning currency coins on the basis of daily use.
- 1983 T.T. 50p coin with AC
- 1983 Xmas 50p coin with AC
This two ACs are really hard to find out especially 1983 TT (AC). Circulating commemorative die marks for this year are AA/AB/AC/AD as same as in 1979 Viking boat. Somehow, it echoes the 4-year window. Is it happened to coin-cide?
In brief, they have one thing in common on coins mentioned above, really really hard to find them out. In other words, the number of mintage is relatively small. Moreover, it is different in terms of coin grade for instance, the 1979 Viking boat AC die mark, the 1982 Viking boat AC die mark and the 1983 Xmas/TT AC die mark. In general, you can find out loads loads of AA coins in contrast in circulation. The number of mintage is huge. Therefore, C, at this point, means that it is used to commemorate an “great” event (internally). If you see the AC die mark on 50p coins which tell you that an event is bearing on circulating commemorative 50p coins (ie., AC) or/and on commemorative 50p coins (i.e., BC) this year. What sort of event was celebrating, perhaps, you have to do your own research.
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