GWcoins Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 I have just received a 1903 halfpenny amongst a collection of others. This one is non-magnetic (bronze based upon the nibbles on the rim)) in fantastic condition and appears to be "blackened at mint" and it is the correct diameter. BUT it only weighs 5.21gms. I was under the impression that the weight was supposed to be 5.67gms. Do I have a forgery? If it is a forged coin, was forging halfpennies profitable? Your comments would be valued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted August 17, 2012 Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 It's difficult to say without seeing a picture, but I'd lean towards genuine. I haven't seen any forgeries of British 1/2d later than the 1790s, and for the early 20th century, it's usually the mid-sized silver denominations (1/, 2/, 2/6) for which I encounter forgeries, usually in lead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWcoins Posted August 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2012 Thanks for that info. Sorry I haven't posted a pic, my camera is not that good. What I can say is that I have examined it in every way, compared it to pictures of UNC bright versions of the same coin and it is perfect. My worry is not the design but the weight. Are there many instances of valid underweight coins? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 No. It is possible that it was acid etched, reducing the weight, then darkened to help hide the effects of the post-mint damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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