2007 Cents?

Peter,

The RAM created a new 5 cent Reverse Master in April 2007 after the other failed.

At the time of correspondence with the Mint in April 2008 about this new reverse which has tiny SD initials on, it was about the 2008 5 cent coins in the 2008 Mint Sets as I had found two varieties in the sets - tiny and regular. RAM also said the two reverse dies were used for 2008 Proof 5 cents.

When they told me the new dies were made in April 2007 and shortly after production of 2007 dated 5 cents coins ceased, I looked at what 2007 coins I had found in change. They all seemed regular SD until I found ONE with the tiny SD.

Now RAM told me production of 2007 5 cents for mint sets and proof sets had finished or almost finished and that the dies were not used for them. They did not confirm the die had been used for 2007 circulation 5c coins but said it was unlikely but possible. Finding that one coin confirmed that at least one die was used, so mintage could be quite low when you think of how many millions of 2007 coins may have been struck before the RAM closed the coin production floor for refurbishment. As of April 2008, no 2008 5 cents coins had been struck for circulation. They also had around 100 of the old (regular SD) working dies left to use as well as the new dies. So perhaps we will see more of a mix once the 2008 coins are struck and enter circulation.

In the mean time, the tiny SD 2007 5 cents coins are very hard to come by. I still only have found one.

Happy hunting

You are correct there Nancy, I have seen the IRB and I RB also and I think it also occurs with 2006 5 cents.

The 5c and 20c seem to present the most varieties for any one year. My guess is the RAM has so many working dies to use up that even when they produce a new master, they still use up the older dies thus creating the varieties.