Great Britain: 2009 Ten Pence Mule, Confirmed By Royal Mint 0

[7.jaguars]

This coin is quite the modern rarity, and in some ways similar but even more rare than the 1893 Jubilee Head Sixpence evidently. It seems to have first been discovered and offered in about 2015 at London Coin Auctions (went for 750 pounds plus commission) with very little fanfare. Then a Swiss dealer evidently tried to sell one - perhaps this first LCA specimen through ebay within about 2 years of that sale (? 2000 pounds plus fees). The second piece widely panned as possible fake. Another, possibly this coin, was cited in an anecdote as coming from a 2008? Birthday Specimen Set but connection to this coin or other confirmation lacking.

Then this specimen, a different coin was auctioned in June of 2023 evidently going for about 1600 pounds. It is/was raw and submitted to the Royal Mint Museum a couple of months later & was returned and certified as genuine of aberrant type/mule just recently.

So quite a rare and interesting piece that may still be out there although 14 years later the above is the sum records available.

Pictures posted next.

[7.jaguars]

First is the mule, second the “usual” 19 pence of 2009.

Then follows the Royal Mint Museum letter. 
 

[7.jaguars]

Note that the mule coin does not appear to be of "specimen" quality such as would come in a specimen set, but rather of ordinary currency type presentation.

[Just Bob]

So, do you think this was one of those "midnight shift" jobs?

[RWB]

On 1/7/2024 at 1:02 AM, Just Bob said:

So, do you think this was one of those "midnight shift" jobs?

Another piece of conspiracy krap. You need evidence.

Try the most likely approach: How about a die setter put the wrong rev die in service. The mistake was discovered and they thought all had been recovered and destroyed -- except a few got through. It has happened before, so why conjure anything elaborate and nefarious?

[7.jaguars]

I rather agree with RWB. Doubt this was on purpose and certainly was not a moneymaker either.

[Henri Charriere]

On 1/7/2024 at 1:02 AM, Just Bob said:

So, do you think this was one of those "midnight shift" jobs?

This may be an embarrassment to the Royal Mint which is known for their rigorous standards, but it is to their eternal credit that they responded and chose not to hide behind bureaucratic double-speak.