1971 2 Pence Struck On Thin Planchet?

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Hi again,

Once more I am seeking some advice from the UK coin gurus on CC. Was sorting out some noodled 2 New Pence coins when I noticed a 1971 specimen seemed light in hand. When I compared it to another example it was obvious the coin was a lot thinner. It seems to have been struck on a thinner planchet but am seeking further advice. Have taken side by side photos of a regular 1971 specimen and uploaded images (Irregular coin on left).

Weight of irregular coin = 4.00g
Weight of regular coin = 7.22g

Thickness of irregular coin = 1.0mm
Thickness of regular coin = 1.7mm

Diameter of irregular coin = 25.8mm
Diameter of regular coin = 25.8mm

I don't believe it is a case of the rim wearing down as a 3+g difference in weight is too much. I also thought it may have been made from 2 coins ground down and joined together but can see no sign of a seam along the edge. Besides being thinner and weighing considerably less, the irregular coin is also a darker colour that seems unusual for a normal 2p coin. There are examples of this on sale sites, but I can't find any concrete evidence of this beastie. I'm stumped.

Open to advice.
Thanks

Edited by David Graham
04/07/2023 02:57 am

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Intriguing...

I'm wondering if it's been struck over a worn Victorian, Edwardian or early George V halfpenny. They are slightly smaller than 2p's and around the time the decimal coins were being struck there would have been very worn examples still in circulation. I've seen a photo of a 1971 2p struck over an Elizabeth II halfpenny so it's quite feasible that a mint employee 'manufactured' other examples. If the host coin was very worn - as many older halfpennies in circulation were by 1968-9 - there may be no sign of the old designs under the new strike.

Hi Rob,

I like that idea. It ties in with the colour difference plus I have a worn half penny that has a thickness of 0.9mm. Only problem is the 25mm diameter of the old half penny. Would striking it in a 2 pence collar be enough to spread the planchet by almost 1mm?

Ta

Quote:
Would striking it in a 2 pence collar be enough to spread the planchet by almost 1mm?

I don't know. The overstruck halfpenny I saw illustrated looked fully struck, but I gave away the magazine with the photo of it years ago. The halfpenny and 2p were of similar enough size for halfpennies to operate some slot machines designed for 2p coins - this was quite a problem after Decimalization, although the rapid inflation of the 1970s meant that after a few years the only machines accepting 2p coins were the 'pusher' machines in seaside amusement arcades - and I still occasionally see old halfpennies in those to this day!

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