1982 50p - Royal Mint Error

cpm9ball · January 15, 2013

A couple weeks ago, I arranged for a UK member of Coin Talk to sell this error coin to a member of Collectors Unleashed. Brenda is a new collector also from the UK, and she is really interested in mint errors. I asked Brenda if she would mind if I posted this error here because I think it is rather unique, and it has a very interesting provenance to go with it.

From what I have learned, the coin was discovered in 1983, but was thought to be a counterfeit. It was turned over to the Dorset constabulary who, in turn, forwarded it to the New Scotland Yard and it was subsequently sent to the Royal Mint for examination. The Royal Mint, determining that it was genuine, proceeded to explain how the error occurred in their letter, and the coin eventually made it's way back to the original owner.

Anyway, I just want to share it with you because I think it is pretty cool. How often does one come across an error like this that has the provenance established direct from the minting authority?

Please excuse the quality of the photos. Brenda is still learning.

Chris