1951 Fifty Cent Varieties

Thanks Jimmy! I think you're right, and I very much appreciate you and others joining as I think the 50c is deserving of any and all attention that it's given.

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The following is a reply pginrh sent by email, in response to The Mystery of the RA, because he's experiencing some computer issues.

"In reference to the R and A anomaly on WildflowerAB's coins. I examined over forty 1951 50c coins .. on the dies, the foot of the R and the foot of the A were relatively sharp and were in quite close proximity, and as such they were susceptible to the stresses of the repeated strikings. I can see a several coins where different early die cracks have started to develop and another where the toe of the A is crumbling. This is a prime location for a die crack or a die chip to develop.. I do not have a coin where an early die chip has developed as in the photos, but I am pretty sure that this is what has happened."

Yes torgemco, I think yours are both high 1s and narrow date. Notice the placement of the "1" is closer to the "5" than to the hoof. In the wide date variety the "1" is more centred. Over time I searched ebay looking for wide and narrow dates that I was missing, very often my eyes deceived me and I ended up with an assortment of extra extras! lol!

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About die resurfacing, in answer to my own question. Resurfacing is common to the 50c from 1950 to 1952 beginning when the mint resurfaced (or polished) some of their obverse and reverse dies. (good example, no design and half design of 1950). As for the obverse, resurfacing becomes evident by the effigy of George IV beginning to become washed out, to the fullest extent "deep resurfacing".

I've tried to capture it and this photo was taken through a magnifier lamp because the difference is obvious, yet very difficult to capture in a photo. I notice the faded appearing point of the profile between the neck and chin, also the upper bridge of the nose and the wider open lips. The definition of the upper forehead is weaker as well, giving almost a bushy eyebrow appearance although my photo didn't capture that too well, but I thought it rather interesting.