A currency and commemorative coin made by the Pobjoy Mint
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The UK coin market is about to reshuffle its prosperity where it was again, considering a higher inflation of 5.5% at the moment and precious metals uptrend. The first time, it happened in 2016, where the first coloured 50p silver proof coin Blue Peter made by the Royal Mint, when the Pobjoy Mint was quarrelling the coinage contract with the Isle of Man government. At this point, the Royal Mint finally finds a way through their difficulty of gaining profits. The second time, it happens in 2022 during the Queen Platinum Jubilee year, evidence of the trial piece auctions held in 09/2021 and one more to come in 03/2022. This time, it gives the Royal Mint more confidence to play around the UK market, because of the monopoly situation domestic.
If we are going to talk about currency and commemorative coins, the best way is to comparing the coins made by the Pobjoy Mint and the Royal Mint. If you have to add the Tower Mint up, they are nothing. Some outsourcing mints are not worth a word. Do not take these words as an offence. At some point, the Pobjoy Mint is the underdog, in terms of ownership, the Royal Mint — the UK government owned mint, and the Pobjoy Mint — a family run private business.
A decimal system was established in 1971 to present where had many changes over the period, like redesign, resize and etc. The first cut-off time of a internal competition for the both mints are as follow:
*1972 to 1975, the Pobjoy Mint
The Pobjoy Mint master started to submit a workable proposal to the Isle of Man government, in order to gain a coinage contract. Finally, they did it and minted coins from 1975 onwards.
*2009, the Royal Mint
The Royal Mint was set up in a way of a private limited company in England from Project Alpha in 2009. It is very interesting to see this, the project was not existing too long, and then a government owned mint was open the door. However, the Royal Mint limited is just like a front-end company by providing services or/and goods, but they still have a back-end company, so-called Royal Mint Services Limited which provides goods or/and technique stuff. All available info you are able to search on Companies House website.
**2004, the Pobjoy Mint
A 50p coin of the T.T. Trophy was issued in 2004 alongside Miller’s Tower 50p coin on the island. This is a bit strange, if you look at 2007 ones of the T.T. Trophy 50p coin. They have a sample in 1994, very similar pattern, but it is no way to bring you towards sunshine if you add up the latter information. Here, it proves that the currency and commemorative coin has slip into a commercialisation period. Evidence 2003 Snowman 50p coin reducing mintage from 30k to 10k.
**2016, the Royal Mint
When the fight was still going on between the Pobjoy Mint and the IOM government, the Royal Mint issued their very first 50p silver colour-printed coin in 2016. It was a success. Plus, they have got a new CEO with a posh idea luxury gifting goods in place. Coin made in 2017 onwards like £2 20p (ex.2018) were NOT put into circulation. Here, it says that coins are goods purely and only made for profits.
Not too long after the celebration day of decimal day in 2019, you clearly see that this coin business has gone far far off-track in terms of a currency coin and a commemorative coin. The Royal Mint has made another story of 2019 Kew 50p coin which it has gone over the roof in price again. Yes, commemorative coins survived and currency coins dead. It echoes the Royal Mint long term strategy gifting, mintage and cashless.
To modern young collectors, modern coins wont hold your hobby too long, and the money you throw in it will shortly be a lot of scrap metals at the end. We have to ask ourselves hard, what is a coin? Once the cashless society is in place, where a coin stands?
By reading the title, a Gibraltar £1 Pound Virenium Proof Coin made in 1988, it is really a difficult topic to illustrate here. Because it has no any written records about this coin. It is a coin or not, it all depends on the detail of COA. So, let we bring you our new coin today.
1988 Gibraltar £1 Pound Virenium Proof Coin with AA
Photograph: richukcoins®
Its COA
Photograph: richukcoins®
This is a special coin that has a very unique position in the numismatic world made by the British Pobjoy Mint in 1988. The reasons are as follows:
Rarity;
According to the COA, a limited batch of 100 coins was minted in 1988 for the purpose of commemorating 1st £1 Pound coin in Gibraltar, but subject to the approval of HM Queen Elizabeth II after 14/11/1988. A 100-coin sample means 100 pence is equal to £1.
A Proof standard stamped with AA;
It is not often to see a coin like a proof condition with AA made by the Pobjoy Mint. If you are very familiar with coins made by the Mint, it is easy to say that this coin is a sample, for instance, 1994 Isle of Man Christmas 50p silver proof coin with AA. Meanwhile, this £1 Virenium Proof coin with AA makes it rare very rare within the all decimal coin range in terms of proof grade, even right now.
Composition Virenium;
According to the Gibraltar Coinage Act 1990 (renamed in 2006 from the Gibraltar Coinage Ordinance 1990), metal Virenium is one of many possible metals list for £1 pound category in law. Also, it shows that Gibraltar’s Virenium is a combination of 81Cu/10Sn/9Ni. Bear in mind that the name of Virenium is a registered mark by the Mint. This type of Virenium looks very close to Nickel Brass in colour if you look hard. It is likely a possible reason apart from no any precious metals being allowed to strike £1 pound coins in 1988.
The Year 1988;
In the year 1983, UK 1st £1 pound coin was issued in Nickel Brass, silver Proof and silver proof piedfort and so forth. But, you find nothing when you search for Gibraltar 1st £1 pound coin only Nickel Brass type. However, the Gibraltar government issued 100 coins in platinum in 1989 for the 150th Anniversary of Gibraltar Coinage.
History.
A told story either word by word or written down is easy to explore but something still remains untold. This identified piece is a piece of history of Gibraltar coinage clearly.
From the perspective of financial terms, this coin is a financial instrument due to its very unique position demonstrated above. Right now it has been slabbed by NGC PF 68 UC (Cert # 2869941-001) which this extra security gives a buyer more confidence and value added with its designation. In terms of valuation, it all depends on people/collector how to value the Gibraltar coinage history, but sadly, nobody could tell you more and how much it is worth. Only here, it tells you information about this coin for free. This coin will soon or later trade like a 1989 Isle of Man £2 Virenium Blimp coin, be sure.
Reference
**The Gibraltar Coinage Act 1990 [Online].
**The Currency & Coinage of Gibraltar 1704-2014 by the Gibraltar Government [Online].
In 1997, a UK monometallic £2 coin was changed its own face to a bimetallic £2 coin from monometallic and resized its weight as well, and this is a big change of the modern British coinage since 1971. Of course, the Isle of Man followed suits without any gap in terms of time. There was a rumour either British one or the IOM one about portraits used in 1997. At the end of the day, however, it is NOT true about the rumour, just because we are too young to naive. Here, we are going to cover and exploit the 1997 IOM portraits in depth, and sit tide and enjoy it.
Two different types of IOM a £2 coin from 1997 in terms of metal are existed, virenium £2, and bimetallic £2. Under bimetallic £2, obverse with small portrait and with large portrait are co-existed. So, the first rumour it is: they mistakenly used a wrong portrait on bimetallic coins. Let me provide some information before you make your own solid answer. Firstly, it is a soft connection between virenium and bimetallic (i.e., metals with past and future). Secondly, they keep things separated strictly between circulating coins and circulating commemorative coins during the period of the sporting change theme and also echoes British £2 coin same year. Thirdly, most importantly, it is to reflect the symbol of the Isle of Man triskelion (i.e, the three legs). This simply echoes the 1979 privy t and the tri-£1 coins set in 1979 as well. The reverse of a £2 coin depicts 3 well-known race cars, E-type Jaguar, 1906 Rolls Royce and 1904 Napier.
1997 £2 Virenium Coin from the Isle of Man
1997 £2 (with large portrait) Coin from the Isle of Man
1997 £2 (with small portrait) Coin from the Isle of Man
Which one from above is more hard to find out as a collector’s item among £2 coins they issued in 1997. Of course, it is the virenium ones. First, there is a clear clue that a virenium £2 coin and a large type of 50p coin together were originally slabbed in the 1997 decimal coin mint set. Secondly, a virenium £2 coin can only be seen from a mint set as all circulated ones eventually were recycled. Thirdly, a virenium £2 coin and a large 50p ND DF from 1996 became aware of them in a 1997 mint set. The two 50p coins mentioned here (in diameter of 30mm) are sought-after collector items in a way that 1996 50p ND DF is for the 25th decimalisation anniversary.
The £2 virenium version coin you can find from our eShop on eBay, richukcoins®, or you can contact us if we come to a deal in a cheaper and direct way.
1997 decimal mint set coin with large 50p AA coin from 1997
1997 decimal mint set coin with large 50p ND DF coin from 1996
From the above pictures, your first impression would be that the 50p coins in centre position are sought-after (with no mintage limitation both). In reality, you are not going to see the 2-coin often. Somehow, the 50p coins in centre were also made in 3 different versions (i.e., two different AAs and ND for 1996, 2 larges and 1 small for 1997). Meanwhile, the £2 Virenium coin is originally slabbed in two different versions of year blister set, you have no doubt to say that it was issued in a small amount of number.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p Coin in Grade from 1980 to 2016
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Part II
Here it comes Part II where a new part introduces how did the Pobjoy Mint make a start of the IOM Xmas 50p at the beginning of the year 1980, and a 2nd time improvement happened in 1994. We have talked many things in Part I (if you have missed is, please click here).
1980 Christmas 50p coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#1>
The 1980 UNC<#1>, BB, is the most strange one you have ever come across at the beginning of 1980, not only the BB diemark associated with but also the lowest standard in grade in a row. This one breaks the rule of prefix B equivalent to prooflike. However, it is only the one in the series.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#2>
The 1980 UNC<#2>, BB, in contrast to the 1980 UNC<#1>, is much better in terms of finish standard. A light frosting effect and the likely mirror-liked field can be seen.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#3>
The 1980 UNC<#3>, BC, in contrast to the 1980 UNC<#2>, is better, and great than the 1980 UNC<#1>. Also, this type of coins is named Diamond Finish (DF) officially. First impression you have is a bit more whity and easily toned in nature condition. The mirror-liked field it is getting to see clearly.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#4>
The 1980 UNC<#4>, BD, single digit D was used for striking silver metal coin.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#5>
The 1980 UNC<#5>, BE, single digit E was used for striking silver metal coin as well.
Things are getting more complicated beyond this point. First, mule coins exist. Second, reverse has many versions even many variants in a single version. Last, no any record for the Xmas 50p coin it has in place.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6>
The 1980 UNC<#6>, BF, has squared-rim especially on the obverse side.
1980 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.1>
The 1980 UNC<#6.1>, BF, has the frosting effect very clear.
1980 UNC<#6>'s reverse vs. 1980 UNC<#6.1>'s reverse
Credit: richukcoins®
1980 Christmas 50p Mule Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.2>
1980 Christmas 50p Mule Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#6.3>
At this point, you have seen many different variants including Mule coins from 1980. It concludes that nobody knew what would be the best finish for the IOM Xmas series in line with no proof coins in base metal at the beginning of the Xmas venture. One thing is clear that the young Pobjoy Mint ltd was keen to make and/or invent something new in numismatic world at age of 15 years really. Another the owner of the Mint shared the things happened behind the closed door externally with collectors as well.
Next, the turning point it shows in 1994, and was last for a consecutive 3 years period. The pattern was like AA-ND and the first introduction of No Diemark (ND) coin in the Xmas 50p series.
1994 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#1>
1994 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC<#3>
Note: UNC<#1> indicates uncirculated coin that has struck once only, and associated with AA normally. UNC<#3> is a circulating commemorative coin that is done by twice striking with polished dies and specially prepared blanks, and it has ND eventually. UNC<#2> is something between UNC<#1> and UNC<#3> and sometimes with and/or without BB diemark. UNC<#4> and beyond is more like experiments. The pattern is like AA-BB-ND in general. Once you have had an understanding of the IOM diemarks, perhaps you are going to see and enjoy how wonderful the IOM xmas series is before 2010. A third grading company like NGC or PCGS gives a mark PL+ on coin made up to 1998 and MS+ DPL/PL for 1999 and onwards. This info shows how coin quality switched off after 1999.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p Coin in Grade from 1999 to 2016
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Part I
Here, it is a very very interesting topic to present in a way either valuation or numismatic value. This topic also is important to collectors who are keen to Christmas 50p base metal coin in modern British Isles coinage history (other than GB coin). Because the more layers we tear off, the more value you can add on the IOM Xmas series. Frankly, it is only here you are able to find out more information on what actually so-called Diamond Finish is. In the early days (say, pre-1997), a Diamond Finish standard (hereafter DF) is a combination of advanced dies (ie., polished) and advanced planchets (ie., buffed), for instance, 1980 IOM Xmas 50p coin associated with BBs-BC-BD-BE-BFs-BFs(Mule). However, the Isle of Man Christmas 50p coin made after 1999, it let you feel that collectors pay a higher price for low quality item made from normal/advanced Dies and normal blanks.
So, let we introduce a UNC coin without mentioning dies and planchets in detail first, as follows:
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
From the above <#1> pictures, it is hard to tell you what is what, but a base-line point is well established. It is a normal 50p coin which you are able to find it in your pocket money. However, if you look for further detail on the coin, a AA die mark could be spotted at 8 o’clock position. Alongside of that, You are going to see NO squared-rim easily.
Still, another UNC coin, as follows:
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2>
From the above <#2> pictures, you are going to see more details on the coin compared to UNC <#1>, but this time, a BB die mark noted on at 8 o’clock position and the mirrored-like field. A variant of UNC <#2> named <#2.1> shows a bit low quality in contrast to UNC <#2>, which is associated with no die mark (hereafter ND).
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2.1>
let we have a close look at obverse each,
BB’s obverse (UNC <#2>) vs. ND’s obverse (UNC <#2.1>)
At this point, two different coins in grade are established. A UNC <#1> coin is a circulating coin, or Mint Statue (hereafter MS) grade from a 3rd grading company. A UNC either <#2> or <#2.1> coin is a circulating commemorative coin or MS Prooflike.
The last grade in a row, it goes to UNC <#3>.
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#3>
UNC <#3> is also a circulating commemorative coin but a MS Deep PL standard from a 3rd grading company.
Having said that without mentioning dies and planchets, it concludes that most importantly there were no any BUNC 50p coins made in the IOM Xmas series. UNC <#1> was under strike one time and two times for <#2> and <#2.1>, however, three times for UNC <#3>. What is more, the AA and BB die marks were an indication to tell the significant difference between circulating and circulating commemorative coins in principle. However, die marks (with or without) had less information on grades but were able to give you direct information about a xmas coin wether circulating coin or circulating commemorative coin. Obviously, it was hard to follow when the sudden appearance of the existence of ND type of coins. Therefore, UNC (or MS), DF (or MS PL) and DF with Deep prooflike (or MS DPL) were well established and defined here.
A complicated case is list below from the IOM xmas series. UNC and DF coins share the BB die mark at the same time.
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
Yes, a BB die mark is easily spotted, but does not necessarily say it is a UNC <#2> or <#3> coin. The above coin is actually a UNC <#1> coin.
Now, it presents a UNC <#2> and <#2.1> coin as below,
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2>
2000 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#2.1>
Having said the 1999 IOM Xmas 50p coin mainly, a balanced picture needs to keep in mind. A more complicated case compared cross panel is going to be presented here in relation to same year 50p coin in the IOM Xmas series. we now have to cover the 1999 Xmas 50p coin from Gibraltar (ie., the Mint works on a same topic for two different people, ironically, the Mint has lost the right to mint Gibraltar coinage since 2004). This time, it is your turn to tell us what is it.
1999 Christmas 50p Coin from Gibraltar — UNC <#2>? or <#3>?
Do not get me wrong here, the BB die mark does not say or indicate UNC <#2> in grade equally and definitely. What I have talked here is that how to identify a DF standard with and without the die marks.
We are moving to the period of 1999 to 2016 that reveals how the quality of coins drops in years.
First of all, it will be the year 2004 and then 2016 in the second place. There is a pattern of AA-BA-ND in both years when the BA die mark has been used. Meanwhile, the AA die mark is simultaneously existed in relation to the BA die mark as well. Most significantly, the Manx cat in the first place has a farewell appearance in 2004 and drops completely from the IOM Xmas series in 2005. What is more, the p has no place after the 50 denomination in 2016. This echoes back to the very beginning of the IOM Xmas series in 1980. These information are a way to express the internal side of the story.
2004 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
2016 Christmas 50p Coin from the Isle of Man — UNC <#1>
The frosting effect can be seen clearly in both. However, in contrast to ND and BA 50p coins made in same years, the above coins are no better in terms of grade and even worse than UNC <#1> from 1999. A assumption is set up here that the two AA die mark coins are very specially made in the first place but reason(s) unknown.
Last, I want to mention a point here that not all AA diemarks stand for UNC or struck on base metal but there is an exception see below.
The 50p Xmas coin market in the UK is still young and takes time to become a good and reasonable market. However, Christmas 50p coin from Gibraltar is getting a mess and slowly moving on to their £2 coin like the Isle of Man. The sooner or later collectors will go back for obtaining original ones definitely. This is the destiny of Xmas-theme related coin — failure vs. commercialisation. Firstly, the concept of a Xmas coin is no longer a potential financial instrument as it was. Because the issuer has the absolute right in control of a mintage number. What is more, collectors are being treated like milk cows. Furthermore, people can re-sell goods in hands at a higher price on a secondary market after the IPO (i.e., initial public offering) for the purpose of quick bucks where is only the stimulus driven people to do so. If you take some time to wait a bit further, all will slow down and even be collapsed in price. Collectors have not learnt from this market and events held in the past, history will repeat itself many times, website crash down after website crash down, again and again. Last, it is inconsistency in the entire GIB Xmas series. From Day 1 to date, the Gibraltar government have employed two mints, as follows:
1988 to 2003, the Pobjoy mint;
And,
2004 to 2016, the Tower mint;
And,
2017 to 2019, back to the Pobjoy mint;
And,
2020 to day, back to the Tower mint again.
The above changes lead designs of coinage and striking quality are poor over time.
However, in contrast to Christmas 50p coin from the Isle of Man, the government of the Isle of Man is doing much better. One thing you obviously see through from the IOM Xmas series is consistency, of course, 2015 not counted. At some degree, the entire IOM Xmas series is a good investment portfolio in the long run term. Sadly, the full stop has been made in 2017 by the Tynwald Court. The IOM Xmas 50p series went commercial once in 2003, they felt good, and went twice in 2008, still good, and sadly burst in 2014.
Here, you are only able to see Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin from 1988 to 2003 ONLY, due to the main constraint of data made available by the Pobjoy Mint. Let we start with 1988 first as follows:
1988 Gibraltar Xmas 50p UNC coin
We have to talk about a 1988 Gibraltar £1 Virenium Proof coin when we come across the very first Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin. In theory, a die mark can be easily spotted on Xmas 50p coins made by the Pobjoy Mint. However, it has no such sign. Secondly, the very first Gibraltar Xmas 50p coin is made really poor in terms of coin quality. These coins are not classified as a Diamond Finish standard coin. Bear in mind that this is not what I am defining it, and all evidence will be merged in 1989 onwards to 2003.
1988 Gibraltar £1 Virenium Proof Coin
After this point, you are able to see so-called Diamond Finish (DF) 50p coin from Gibraltar. Note all samples you are going to see were acquired from coin in card.
1989 Gibraltar Xmas 50p Diamond Finish (DF) coin
1990 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1991 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1992 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1993 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1994 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1995 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1996 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1997 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1998 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
1999 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
After this point, you are going to see designs are NOT nested in a wreath which means a full design on reverse.
2000 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2001 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2002 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
2003 Gibraltar Xmas 50p DF coin
Each year, 30,000 Gibraltar Xmas 50p coins are commissioned based on COA. The number of 30,000 is a maximum no. that the Mint is allowed to mint coins. Note the Mint itself has is a unique position in this case, because the Mint is a private limited company not any government-owned minter. From the perspective of the Pobjoy Mint, the level of a certain number of coins made is fundamentally important.
I am aware that it is only a short part of Gibraltar Xmas series from 1988 to 2020 (so far, 1993 and 2002 missing as well). The above coins illustrated are minted by the Pobjoy Mint. This is the reason that this short part exists. Xmas series either from the Isle of Man or Gibraltar are really good numismatic products in terms of design and technique. In modern time, it is hard to find such good arts designed by heart and made by modern people with no commercial intension first.
The Pobjoy Mint Die Mark (Single) A/B/C/D/E in 1973
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I have talked a little bit on the topic of die mark AC in the past, catching it up you can click on Die Marks AC under All Categories on your right panel. Today, let we talk about single die mark, and the start of all die mark variants.
It all begun on sovereigns gold coins in 1973. In the year 1973, the Pobjoy mint were commissioned to mint sovereigns from half to five sovereigns on behalf of the government of Isle of Man. Also, it was the time to see the birth of die mark (single) A/B/C/D/E from a private mint in the post-decimal era in the UK. A special die mark X was created in 1973 and die mark F in 1979. In the meantime, the letters of PM were well-established as the Pobjoy Mint’s mintmark.
According to MacKay (1978, p.51), a single letter like A/B/C/D/E was stamped on IOM sovereigns from half to Five in 1973, and each letter indicated the numbers of coins struck from each die. However, the author has not put more information about the difference among dies, or gave explanation on reasons behind using different dies. Most importantly, this book was published by the Pobjoy Mint.
In terms of a single letter,
Precious metal, (–0)*, single die mark like: A, B, C, D & E, X (only 1973 gold metal, MacKay (1978, p.52)) and F (1979 silver metal);
Man-made metal, (–1)*, 2-digit die mark like AA/AB/AC/AD and BB/BC on 1978 £1 Virenium coin;
Base metal, (–2)*, 2-digit die mark like: AA/AB/AC/AD/AE(?)/AF(?) under the Prefix A, and BB/BC/BD/BE/BF and BA (1988 50p Xmas coin) under the Prefix B** on 1979 50p CN coin.
The difference among above like 2^0(=1) and 2^1(=2, two different finish standards) and 2^2 (=4, Tynwald Hill, a 4-tiered hill). The base 2 comes from a coin having two sides.
The meaning of 2-digit die mark represents the First Day of Minting (FDM) like AA and BB in base metal, B in precious metal. *Note: considers as position in line.
**Note: AE, AF, BE and BF were only appeared on circulating commemorative coins like IOM Xmas 50p coin, and not on circulating coins. DD was spotted on 1980 circulating coins. Also, the Prefix B indicates a (at least) prooflike or proof finish standard. This source comes from 50p coins.
Having said above, it is easy to direct how to collect IOM Xmas 50p coin and IOM T.T. 50p coin in terms of die mark. In general, coins in loose condition, die marks AA and BB both from circulating commemorative coins are the most common ones but AA with BU striking techniques and BB with Diamond Finish striking techniques. Years like 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 until 1985 it is hard to decide which direction you are going to, because there is 4 (at least) variants from the Prefix A and the Prefix B and later after post-1997, down to AA/BB (or ND).
Some special IOM/T.T. 50p ones without provenance at the moment, like:
1980 IOM Xmas,
it has BB/BC/BD/BE/BF & BF mule plus two different versions under die letters BB–BB w/ mirror-liked field and BB w/o mirror-liked field, and AA/AB/AC/AD/AE(?)/AF(?). Mistakes noted! Very new product from the perspective of the Mint alongside circulating coins. Official announcement of BC as diamond finish in Krause book (KM#).
1981 IOM Xmas XX,
this one is possibly linked to 1973 sovereign with die mark X. It has BB and BC under the Prefix B this year. In the same year, IOM T.T. was minted. Mistake noted! New product from the perspective of the Mint alongside circulating coins.
1983 IOM T.T. AC,
it has AA/AB/AC/AD and BB.
1988 IOM Xmas BA,
this one indicates that BA coin finish standard is between AA and BB. The BB die marks indicate proof finish, and the AA die marks stand for standard finish. Somehow it echoes 1980 BB w/o mirror-liked field in terms of striking quality.
In 1994 IOM Xmas ND,
Striking techniques are totally different.
2005 IOM Xmas AA,
is shiny like a glass cup.
2011 IOM Xmas AA,
and ND are only two grades in Xmas series. BB die marks has dropped out since 2004 onwards.
Let us talk about the AC and AD die marks once again here. It has been talking many times in the past, but here it definitively gives you the best picture you can see. Also, you can find them from Die Marks AC/ AD under Categories on your right panel. The AD die mark was established alongside with the AC die mark in 1978 for the purpose of celebrating the first £1 pound coin in British decimal coinage history. The standard finish (i.e., UNC finish) was used on £1 IOM virenium coin from sequence of A to D under the Prefix A. In the year 1979, it only had the AA/AB/AC die marks on £1 virenium coin. However, the AD die mark was spotted on 1979 IOM 50p coin. Most surprisingly, this year 50p coin finish on the AA/AB/AC/AD die marks was significant different, and each die mark had two variants (note, another 1979 AC from 1980 AC). Probably, all steps above were included in the “1972 workable proposal” submitted in 1972 by Mr. D. Pobjoy.
Have you noticed that the AD die mark was shifted from £1 down to 50p? This obviously echoes the Millennium AD event and the Royal visit event in 1979.
It was a amazing story told by the different die marks, but sadly, it had no any official record of them to trace or search. Probably, it is the best disadvantage of collecting IOM post-decimal coin.
Reference
MacKay, J.A., 1978. The Pobjoy Mint Encyclopaedia of Isle of Man Coins and Tokens. 2nd ed. Dumfries, England: The Pobjoy Mint.
50 Years of the 50p Coin, Great Britain decimal 50p coin from 1969 to 2019
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It is a part that shows key designs in year order during the period of 50 years, in terms of reverse design only. It may come across portrait changes during illustration.
50 Years of the 50p coin (from 1969 to 2019)
50p coin: Britannia 1969 (left) vs. Britannia 2019 (right) (winner in design)
Royal coat of arms 2013 (runner-up in design, both by Christopher Ironside)
50p coin, Britannia 2019 w/o privy (left) vs. 2019 w/ 2-privy
Generally speaking, product quality, in terms of coin grade, is improving from very basic to (deep) prooflike over years. Nothing is worth mentioning here really. If you have a close look at the 2019 50p coin w/o and w/ privy, there is one thing you have to address, coin w/ privy grade much better than coin w/o privy. The 2019 50p coin w/o privy was taken at the Royal Mint Experience, strike your own (syo), and originally only the place where you were able to purchase. However, the Royal Mint changed rules after the big sales of 50 years of the 50p coin proof standard and silver proof standard sets. It makes the 2019 50p syo coin a bit controversial.
Within 50 Years: “New” omitted (in 1982)
50p coin 1982 (left) vs. 1969 (right)
No longer “New” onwards.
Within 50 Years: 2nd Portrait to 3rd Portrait (in 1985)
2nd portrait [1969, 1984] vs. 3rd portrait [1985, 1997]
Provenance: the 25th Anniversary of decimalisation in 1996, UK vs. IOM
The 25th anniversary of decimalisation silver proof coin sets, both UK and IOM, were only sold to collector in silver proof finish. Note the significant difference between the UK and IOM silver proof sets above is that UK decimal silver proof and proof and BU sets were already in place in 1996. The above UK silver proof set was sold only for the purpose of celebrating the 25th anniversary of decimalisation. Also, the two 50p silver coins here were then circulating coin (i.e., a coin in daily use). In terms of integration, the IOM silver proof set had 9-coin in a set from face value of £5 down to 1p, however, the UK silver set only 7 coins were presented. With regard to popularity, the IOM 1996 silver proof set is great in demand. According to its coa, 1996 IOM silver sets were produced with a limit of 1996 sets in 1996. At this point, it is clear to say that UK numismatic products are unpopular before 2009 and most high value denominations like £1 £2 and £5 are used.
This 1996 Seated Britannia 50p silver proof coin with a limit of 15,000 coins is recognised by a few collectors in terms of coin valuation in British modern coins. The 50p silver proof coin is a real collector item, but people who collect modern coins are keen to commercial numismatic item for instance 2016 blue peter 50p silver coin. If you look at the 50p silver coin itself, it is simple and limited at 15000 coins.
Within 50 Years: A changeover from 30.00mm to 27.30mm in size (in 1997)
50p coin: 1997 large (left) vs. 1997 small (right)
The existence of a choice between 7-sided 50p and circular 50p (in 1994)
Within 50 Years: Seated Britannia went down instead by Shield (in 2008)
50p coin 2008 Seated Britannia (left) vs. 2008 Shield (right) & 4th portrait [1998, 2015]
Importantly, all 50p coins made in 2000 onwards are at least a prooflike standard finish. This is a very significant improvement made from the Royal Mint. Seated Britannia closed her curtain on UK circulating 50p coin after 2008.
Within 50 Years: Commemorative 50p coins
During the period of 50 years, a very 1st commemorative 50p coin struck at the Royal Mint and at the Pobjoy Mint respectively, from the perspective of minter and understanding numismatic products. UK, it was 1973, which UK first joined the European Economic Community. Isle of Man, it was 1978, which was the 25th Anniversary of Coronation of the Queen E II. Two “special” 50p coins are shown at Point A and B below in depth. Point A and B are two points to support Commemorative 50p coin 1973 UK vs. IOM.
Commemorative 50p coin 1973 UK EEC PF vs. 1978 IOM PF
It is a very interesting comparison between the two coins. Firstly, it is coin grade. 1973 EEC 50p proof coin was made with a prooflike standard finish. However, 1978 IOM Viking boat 50p proof coin was a real proof coin. At early stage of decimalisation, coins made from the Pobjoy mint were properly minted and the Royal mint were heading to political gift. Secondly, it has no competition internal and external in this market in terms of minters. Last not least, the Royal mint didnot fancy developing any 50p coin at the beginning of decimalisation, but the Pobjoy mint had different view on 50p coin.
Point A. Within the period of 50p years, contemporary GB history also created on 50p coins in 1973 and 1992/93.
50p coin 1973 (left) (UNC) vs. 1992/93 (right) (BUNC)
BUNC grade coin, only from year mint set.
50p coin 1973 (left) vs. 1992/93 (right) (circulating type)
As shown above, a BU 50p coin and a circulating type 50p coin in 1992/93 are very different in terms of coin grade. And only the circulating type was limited at 109,000 coins. This coin was seized for circulating after 1997, but it was part of decimalisation improvement. A very interesting question arises in my mind, what if the London Bridge goes down, whether is or not solid point to say that 2009 Kew Gardens 50p coin is no longer a rare circulating 50p coin? What will the entire numismatic world react on this news and changes? The system of decimal coinage will not be changed and opted out over the course of time, however, people will, its mother nature. Do people care what do they collect in value?
Point B. A 1979 Isle of Man 50p base proof coin. This is a very special coin in the range of UK 50p coins. In terms of finish, it is finalised with a proof finish, earlier than Royal Mint 1st 50p base proof coin in 1982.
50p 1978 Proof coin
50p 1978 coin (circulating coin)
50 years of the 50p coin first release (early 2019) 50 years of the 50p coin second release (mid 2019) 50 years of the 50p coin third release, possible…?
If you are keen to GB 50p coins, please go back and see 40 years of the 50p coin in 2009. But, there is nothing new and creative. It is more like a revision of 2009 job lot.
Isle of Man Circulating Commemorative 50p coin in 1994 1997 and 2017
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It is very tricky to talk about this topic here. In terms of circulating coin (i.e., currency) and circulating commemorative coin, there is no a significant difference that tells you how to define/recognise them (i.e., benchmark). But, it is only occasionally addressed by officials over years. A final and solid outcome was written in black and write in 2017, due to an error made by the Tower Mint.
The Isle of Man is one of the Crown Dependence Isles, and is not part of the U.K. but is self-governing dependency of the Crown (Ministry of Justice). The government of the Isle of Man is called the Tynwald Court (hereafter Tynwald). Tynwald has two branches on the island, the House of Keys, and the Legislative Council (British-Irish Council). With regard to the two branch themes above on Fifty pence coins, they can be found in 2017 and 1994 respectively.
Probably, we have seen enormous coins or related-medals (either circulating currency coins or circulating commemorative coins) struck at the Pobjoy mint under permission of the Isle of Man government, this is because “The issue of its own currency is a positive statement of independence and the power of self-determination. It is also an important source of investment income which would otherwise accrue to the United Kingdom if that country’s currency was allowed to displace it” (Treasury, the Isle of Man Government). How many coins are they (the Mint) able to mint, it all depends on the IOM government demand.
It is clear right now that you have seen coins well-related with Tynwald itself only a few, like 1994 and 2017, but the amount of coins well-related with Queen E II struck at the Pobjoy mint (before 2017) is huge like 1978, 1979 and 2012 etc. In this blog, we will go through a set of three circulating commemorative coins, covering 1994, 2017 and 1997, as below.
1994 Legislative building 50p UNC coin
2017 the House of Keys 50p UNC coin (version I)
Note: this type of coin, named version I, was minted by the Tower Mint in England that is the brand new minter of the Isle of Man government since 2017.
2017 the House of Keys 50p PF coin (version II)
Note: this type of coin, named version II, was minted by the Tower Mint, but the Tynwald claimed they were PROOFLIKE coins (see the apology letter). Because of this apology letter, it tells us that a) diamond finish coins by Pobjoy Mint are at least prooflike coins, and b) the coin in folder is actually a proof coin made by the Tower mint, but the Tynwald only say it is a prooflike coin, last not least c) the consistency of the Isle of Man coinage could never be broken, and also remember who is the big boss behind, the Tynwald Court.
1997 Philip McCallen and Nigel Davies T.T.-related 50p UNC coin
Note: only large-sized 50p coins made in 1997 are collector’s coin due to in high demand.
The above three 50p coins tell us that how the Tynwald Court think and behave on the numismatic markets. Also, it is a solid way to understand how the Tynwald make its coinage business profitable and commercial-preferred. A very interesting question is going to be asked, who was the person put bets on 50p coin after the Decimalisation Day (D-day)? The Tynwald Court, or the Mint, or …? It is not hard to make a guess on a binary question (50/50), especially getting rid of the Mint quickly after more than 40 years last long standing relationship.
Isle of Man Viking Boat 50p PF coin in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974
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Today, I shall bring you the most wanted proof decimal sets from the Isle of Man in 1971/1972/1973/1974. All sets presented here are BU for the purpose of illustration. We will have a look each set first and then focus on 50p coin each year from 1971 to 1974. The 1971 BU set was made by the Royal Mint and but the 1972/1973/1974 BU sets were definitely struck at the Pobjoy Mint in 1975. Over this period (1971 to 1974), you are looking for proof coins probably. However, it is really hard to find out.
1971 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: blue inner sleeve.
1972 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
1973 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
1974 Isle of Man Year Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Set (5-coin).
Note: light inner sleeve.
Now, let we break sets down into 50p coins only from 1971 to 1974. You have probably noticed things in common above that all sets showing here are BU in grade and 1972 to 1974 plastic folders are in light blue colour however 1971 is in navy blue colour. Do you know that the UK was adopted the decimal system in currency in 1971 and the Isle of Man followed suit. In 1971, the Isle of Man had 3 types of finish of decimal coins from the Royal Mint, as follows, Specimen, Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof. Based on this root/consistency, you should have found Specimen, Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof coins from the Pobjoy Mint in 1972/1973/194. However, it is hard to be true, actually only 2 types of coin existence namely BU and Proof.
Now, let us move on the details of each 50p coin from the sets above.
1. 1971 50p BU coin. This coin (or the set) was sourced from Germany. Actually, it is really unbelievable such set and such place I got. It is hard to make it up, because all coins from 1/2d to 50p are still showing mint lustre.
1.1 1971 50p BU coin.
2. 1972 50p BU coin. It is a 50p coin from the Isle of Man with a limit mintage of 1,000 coins. 1,000 pieces made in 1975, UNBELIEVABLE!!! It is somehow correlated with the event in 1979, Millennium of Tynwald. The entire thing is not a single and unrelated point but very strongly connected to a workable proposal submitted in 1972 by Mr D Pobjoy. It is said by collectors that all most of this kind were in a very serious collector’s hand, s/he was not keen to sell the coins. This causes 1972 50ps not cheap in the market.
2.1 1972 50p BU coin.
3. 1973 50p BU coin. 1,000 pieces were made in 1975 as well. The difference between a BU coin and a PF coin is by looking at the E of Second on obverse. Only a few proof coins were minted within the allowance.
3.1 1973 50p BU coin.
4. 1974 50p BU coin. 1,000 pieces made in 1975 as well. The difference between a BU coin and a PF coin is by looking at the E of Second on obverse. Only a few proof coins were minted within the allowance.
4.1 1974 50p BU coin.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are 3 variants in 50p coins like Specimen, BU and Proof made in 1971. During the period of 1972 to 1974, there are only 2 variants in 50p coins like BU as shown above and Proof as follows. At this point, you are now able to see a 1974 50p proof coin, because it is only a sample to illustrate what does 50p proof look like.
E1. 1974 50p Proof coin.
E2. BU obverse vs. PF obverse.
E3. The significance difference between BU and PF 50p coins.
From above, two things are clearly showing that firstly, a IOM 50p BU coin bearing 1971 exists and is hard to find out. Secondly, IOM 50p PF coins over the period of 1971 to 1974 were made in 1975 which can be found in the current market. The difference between a 50p BU coin and a 50p PF coin is by looking at the E of SECOND on obverse. Only the difference can tell you how to distinguish a BU coin and a PF coin. There is a very interesting question to ask how many did the Pobjoy mint produce those 50p proof coins? Of course, as usual, a small proportion was taken off from planned 1,000 pieces each year for 1972/73/74 respectively. Therefore, in order to answer it, my assumption is based on a weight of 1/4 (=0.25) and 1/10 (=0.10), then (max.) 250 (=0.25*1,000) proof coins and (min. 100) (=0.10*1,000) proof coins. Don’t ask me why, but you will know more than me if you know history of the Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Christmas Fifty Pence Coin with BA Die Mark
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In this part, we keep our focus on die marks of the AA and the BA in the Xmas series over the period of 1985 to 2016 especially the years 1988, 2004 and 2016. In depth, we talk over three cases on the purpose of illustration of the meaning and existence of the BA die marks. The three cases are 1988 (BA), 2004 (BA) and 2016 (BA), and named Case I, Case II and Case III respectively. For an easy understanding, the correct order when you read through this part is Case III, Case I and Case II in order. Because Case III is only the clue behind the mystery of the BA diemark.
The AA diemark is symbolised for circulating commemorative 50p coins as this kind is categorised under the Prefix A, and the BB die letters only for (non-circulating) commemorative 50p coins as this kind is categorised under the Prefix B (die letters and die marks are interchangeable). The die-letter is sort of different combinations between a prefixion (i.e., 1st letter) and an alphabetic sequence (i.e., 2nd letter). This forms a vast group of die letters (i.e., AA, AB, BA, BB and so forth). In terms of circulating/non-circulating commemorative coins, you could understand the phase from the perspective of the cost of production. In other words, the more money you pay for a coin in price the more details you see on the coin. The BA ones we are going to talk are sort of a mixture between the AA ones and the BB ones (see Case I). After a read, you will have a sense of that the IOM Xmas theme-related products are the Pobjoy mint their own product just like raised a new-born baby in 1980 to present date, if you really know IoM 50p coins well.
Three cases mentioned above are showing in follows:
Case I,
Die marks in 1985 onwards were much simpler than before and in a pattern, and the New portrait made by (Raphael D. Maklouf RA, the 3rd royal coin effigy) was set to be used this year. The BA die marks appeared first time is in 1988. Given a fact that circulating commemorative coins Viking boats were taking off instead Personal computers on the reverse side in 1988. So, it is a question to ask why (the BA) appears not before (i.e., in 1987) or after (i.e., in 1989), but the BA die letters only exist in 1988? Probably, the Mint managed to put the IOM Xmas 50p theme back on track when Tynwald a). allowed them to use a new reverse side (?), b). cut the Xmas theme lose like T.T. 50p coins in 1980s (!). More importantly, the coin’s quality was downgraded internally by the Mint. You can think this like a couple in a good relationship.
However, the BA die letters have a meaningful expression in depth, “Back Again with a lowered quality”, Loud and Clear! The expression was saying “I [the IOM Xmas series] am coming back again, but I will be created differently” (support evidence a Manx cat in 1987 and 2004, and BA in 1988).
The BA die letters are alive on the Xmas theme series first time and the Xmas series is re-born on earth. However, one significant clue appeared on 1987 ones. You probably notice that a Manx cat is facing towards the main object. In other words, you only can see side view of the smaller object which is the back of the cat in front of you. Later soon, the BA die letters came out and published in 1988. Ironically, the die letters indicate a broken heart with sadness LIGHTLY each other.
1988 BB die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the BA and AA die letters)
1988 BA die letter 50p coin
1988 AA die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the BB and AA die letters)
As 3 coins shown above, coin quality actually reduces from BB down to AA and even 1988 BB its own. One indication seen form 1987 IOM Xmas 50p coin is that the cat faces you with full back. Two other facts are noted. 1987 IOM Viking boat 50p coin is hard to find. 1988 Gibraltar Xmas 50p UNC coin is in place made by the Pobjoy mint.
Case II,
BA die marks on 2004 Xmas 50p coins, it is really unbelievable to keep your eyes peeled widely, especially with the object of the Laxey Water Wheel. It was the 150th Anniversary of the Laxey Water Wheel in 2004. The Wheel is a landmark on the island. Is the water wheel related to anything with Xmas? No! No! No!!! But, simply by adding up snowflake it is now. The water wheel appears on 5p coins in 1976 first time when UK introduced decimal coins in 1971. A little background about 1976, the Pobjoy mint was able to design the reverse side on their own first time. For the period of 1972 to 1975, it was still using dies obtained from the RM previously. The main objects of a 2004 Xmas 50p coin was the Laxey water wheel surrounding by snowflakes and the Manx cat that is excluded permanently.
Notable in 2003, mintage of the Xmas theme was cut to 10k from 30k suddenly with famous animation the Snowman published in 1978. Why the mint lets the mintage be only 10k this year, and goes to the path of commercialisation on 50p coins in 2003? Somehow, the IoM Xmas theme was dying in 2003. Finally, the water wheel and the BA answered it, dead or not in 2004. And, half way through the 12-day Christmas.
2004 BA die letter 50p coin
2004 ND die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the ND and AA die letters)
2004 AA die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the ND and AA die letters)
A notable smaller object, a Manx cat sitting on a hill towards the water wheel, will get your attention somehow if you love the Xmas 50p series. In other words, you only can see the back of the cat instead of a full view. The Xmas theme 50p series is alive a 2nd time on earth. However, it indicates a broken heart with sadness MEDIUM this time.
And, Case III.
Firstly, the die marks used this year are AA and BA, not AB! Again, it is BA not AB! Let me tell you one more time, it is BA, BA, BA!!! Once again, it is not the British Airways (BA). This year the BA ends up the entire mystery of die letters, and also is extremely good supporting evidence to decipher its own meaning. It is Back Again. It is very simple to understand if you look at what was the IOM Xmas 50p coin in 2015. It was absolutely nothing. If a BA-die-mark appears, it has definitely something (i.e., S) happened in previous time interval, say St = (t-1), t = current time. For instance, previous years are 2003 (2004 (BA), 10K issue mintage from normal 30K), 1987 (1988 (BA), PC theme after Viking Boat) and 2015 (2016 (BA), a 2015 Xmas 50p coin was not issued) respectively.
A notable object, it is the “p” for “pence” after its disappearance in years. This reminds the IOM Xmas theme 50p is back to square one — the remembrance of the first IOM Xmas 50p coin in 1980. It is time to close the curtain and the show is OVER now. The Xmas theme 50p is alive 3rd time shortly, but eventually it announces dead on earth.
2016 BA die letter 50p coin.
Note: flat font on both side. A notable symbol, the PM mintmark is not shown on this one, and the “p” missing as well.
2016 ND die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the ND and AA die letters).
Note: fat font on both side. A notable symbol, the PM mintmark is not shown on this one, and the “p” missing as well.
2016 AA die letter 50p coin (in comparison with the ND and AA die letters).
Note: fat font on reverse or pudding side, flat font on obverse. A notable symbol, the PM mintmark is not shown on this one, and the “p” missing as well.
Although, the Tower mint is still minting the Xmas theme 50p over the Pobjoy Mint on behalf of the government of Gibraltar at the moment (originally the Tower mint took the contract over from the Pobjoy mint in 2004), but the Xmas theme 50p is no longer the Xmas theme 50p that it was invented by the Pobjoy mint. This time it is a broken heart COMPLETELY and only the path towards — DIVORCE. Therefore, the Pobjoy mint (after divorce) is enormously producing penguin 50p coins on behalf of the government of Falkland Islands 2017 in a lofty way. Ironically, the first coin of the penguin series is made by none sense an error coin. However, no matter who made the decision, the Tower Mint strikes it back with an error coin as well, the House of Keys. This error makes sense and somehow confirms that IOM non-circulating commemorative 50p coins are normally ProofLike (PL) finish, but the Tower Mint seems did not know this principle. This time Tynwald spreads info in black and white loudly, however the Court kept it quietly in contrast to 1980 IOM Xmas 50p mule coins. Will it be another new good artworks from the mints? Probably it is a NO. WHY? commercialisation is purely driven by money not by heart.
One thing (i.e., BA) should not make the same appearance more than three times. But, it really happens in the Xmas series. Therefore, the IOM Xmas 50p series is doomed out of the 50p show eventually. If you are familiar with Major League Baseball (MLB), 3 strikes, you are OUT, and move to next player.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p coin in CN from 1997 onwards
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In this part, we talk small-sized 50p coins mainly. It will cover 50p coins made from 1997 to 2016, and give you a picture of what are IOM Xmas 50p coins after this part. Bear in mind that the 2008 snowman either plain version or colour version excludes here.
2016, A New Year, A new story it begins here (I wrote this bit at the beginning of the year @ 01/2016). 2017, A New Year, a story will be repeated many times to new collectors, … (wrote @ 01/2017)
Then, 2016 it is the year that the marriage is untied up (@ 11/2016) between the two. How ironic it is. Also, it is the year that the last Christmas 50p coin is struck by the Mint.
1997 T.E. Brown, Manx poet Note
obverse designer R. Maklouf (the 3rd effigy of Q.E. II),
coin were struck as proof coins for this year apart from re-strike coins in 2000s.
only no die marks coins and ND for the 4th consecutive period.
18th in series.
1997 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
1997 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with a low-striking quality made in 2000s below.
1998 Christmas Festive scene in the Victorian era Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
only no die marks coins exist and ND for the 5th consecutive period.
19th in series.
1999 Christmas tree decorating Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
AA, BB and ND die marks are noted this year.
20th in series.
1999 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
1999 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks from carded below
1999 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below
1999 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with AA die marks below
2000, Manx man, Dr. John Kelly whom translates the Bible into Manx Language Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
BB & ND exist, and BB coin have two different grades, Grade I and II.
21st in series.
What would be first to say about this coin this year? Probably it is the mint mark. The PMM was struck on 50ps in 2000 instead PM normally. The first two of PMM stands for the pobjoy mint mark (i.e., PM) over the world, and the last two of PMM (i.e., twin “M”) is about to commemorate the Millennium in 2000 (i.e., Roman Numerals M=1000). Sometimes, we come across some privy/privy letter created by the mint. It is a way to look at how a private mint to record modern history. For instance, 1982 crib privy on 20ps for the birth of Prince Williams. Also it is the year that 20ps was introduced in circulation in the U.K..
From top panel in pictures, it is literally a diamond finish coin that should be struck for all collectors in the first place based on Tynwald’s consistency, and you have to say it’s BEAUTIFUL at first glance. However, if you take a little step back to look at the entire picture, you probably see it clearly — the owner of IOM Xmas 50p coin.
Middle panel. Eye appears is ok even with a better reflectivity. Lustrous can be seen. One significant fact on this that get your attention is a mark on the first small window from bottom on the left big window. The mark disappears after you find a diamond finish coin.
Down to bottom panel. Lustrous still can be seen and die marks left on obv.. This thing happens on 2007 as well. Interestingly, long (or short) die marks ONLY can be found on CURRENCY 50p coins.
2000 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2000 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below (Grade I, semi-PL)
2000 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below (Grade II, BU)
2001 Postman in the Victorian era Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
BB & ND exist.
22nd in series.
2001 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below
2001 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2002 Dickens Scrooge Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
BB and ND exist.
23rd in series.
2002 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below
2002 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2003 (& 2008) the Snowman and James
Before introducing them, let we have a little background first. In terms of diamond finish coins, you are able to find it out from T.T. buying guide with us. All colour-printed coins must be struck as diamond finish coins first and then paint colours on top. Each diamond finish coin must come with a certification (ie., coa) together. In terms of a cert, it is only a piece of paper without any protective techniques involved. But the cert for this year is totally different like the ones before or after. A diamond finish coin has “BB” die letters on reverse (and/or “neo-BB” which means no die letters) and is limited @ 30,000 yearly. The Mint claims 30,000 coins per year, and the mintage number is real and strictly limited. Where do colour-printed coins come from? They are out from a small fraction of 30,000 coins to be painted as colour-printed diamond finish coins. Alternatively, they could be another colour-printed coins version @ 30,000 coins but hard to be true. What If this idea is true??!! The thing will be a real pain for xmas coin collectors. However, who cares??? Business is business. Meanwhile, all diamond plain coins and diamond colour-printed coins are both sharing the same cert each year and no any difference you could tell. It looks like people are really making pains on themselves.
All colour-printed version coins
With regard to the above picture, it is really hard to say that it indicates the entire family members of the IOM xmas theme colour-printed version. Because the 2008 colour-printed Snowman did not count in it. (Why?!! You will have your own answer(s) after this chapter.) In my own eyes, it is a family picture.
In 2003, it came out with the famous story in Britain, the Snowman(TM) & James, to commemorative the 25th Anniversary of animation alive. We had to thank the very 1st mint master, Derek Pobjoy, founder of the mint, to let the story bear on 50ps FOREVER. And the mintage was strictly down to 10,000 (from previous 30,000 yearly). We assume that the batch of colour-printed coins is taken out from 10,000. If you do the math, this is the reason that makes the 2003 DIAMOND FINISH 50P COIN really hot and popular indeed in the United Kingdom.
But did you notice that a diamond plain coin and a colour-printed coin shares one cert at the same time. All colour-printed coins are possibly found from carded with coa (i.e., the mint). Some diamond plain coins are barely seen in decoration coin box (i.e., the mint). Some so-called diamond finish were sold by Benham first day coin covers (i.e., distributor). By the way, can you easily point out a standard finish coin between two diamond finish coins this year? Remember, they all have “BB” die letters on. However, the 2008 one came out with the exactly same story back to 2003 BUT without die letters, and was to celebrating the 30th Anni. of the story, and was limited at 30k as well. That is why people see the 2008 Snowman version alongside the 12-day of Christmas. Also, the 12-day was a uncompleted project. Did you ask yourself, this unusual one Why had it not seen in 2007 (or before 2008) or in 2009 (or after 2008)? Why two Xmas coins minted in 2008? Coincident, or people greedy??? In terms of consistency, the entire theme is broken up here in 2003, due to the 30th Anni. of Snowman exists (2008) and the uncompleted project of the 12-day of Christmas (2005 to 2010).
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
the 25th. Anniversary of animation alive in the U.K. (since 1978).
24th in series.
2003 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish colour-printed coin with BB die marks below
2003 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BB die marks below
2004 The Laxey Water Wheel
The Laxey water wheel is historic site on the island. The first showing of the wheel was in 1971 on 5p Manx coinage and disappeared after 1979. To commemorative the 150th anniversary of the water wheel, it comes out again this year on 50p Manx coinage and £5 pound coins as well. (5p x10 = 50p, then 50p x10 = 500p = £5. Coincident??)
If you are lucky, you may have a chance to meet a manx cat (or a black cat) outside the gate after traveling long way up by tram. It does not make sense such the scene found on a Xmas theme coin collection series. The Laxey water wheel was on 5p coin. It is a little bit far away out of the Xmas theme idea. Also, the BA die marks come out again! Something inside of the theme it has slowly gone just like the little manx cat quickly disappears a year after.
Note
Obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
AA, BA & ND have many differences in detail. BA noted ONLY on Diamond Finish coins.
Coins with AA die marks do NOT have mirrored-like field. One case (exactly same) was noted back to 1988 first appearance, but 1988 BA was ONLY appeared on standard finish coins.
Beyond this point, a) the manx cat disappears. b) the IOM Xmas 50p coin is highly likely heading to a era of commercialisation.
Most importantly, dual dates noted. This means 2004 was noted on obverse and reverse. Very rare to see this.
25th in series.
2004 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with BA die marks below
2004 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2004 IOM Xmas 50p standard Finish coin with AA die marks below
2005 One partridge in a pear tree
“The Christian tradition of celebrating the Twelve days of Christmas, starting on the 25th December through the morning of Epiphany on 6th January, is based on a sequence of verses in the Holy Bible (Matthew 2: 1-12) and the belief that the Three Kings took 12 days to travel to Bethlehem after first seeing the Jesus Star.”
It is really amazing to see such wonderfully and highly related with the Bible story on 50ps, featuring a partridge in a pear tree. It is BACK on tradition again. But very sadly, the mission is uncompleted (i.e., it was supposed to be having twelve coins added up into the entire series instead the first six coins ONLY were struck). If you intend to knock together a good story about the Holy Bible on 50ps. I personally suggest that you may need to come across collecting 50ps either Isle of Man or Gibraltar. First, the mint that minted coins for both places was the Pobjoy mint. They invented the idea of “Xmas 50ps”. So they put this idea on the coinages of Isle of Man, Tonga and Gibraltar. Due to some reasons unknown, The Mint was no longer to strike coins on behalf of the government of Gibraltar after 2003. So this incident broke the whole idea of the Mint. For instance, 1988 Gibraltar Xmas 50p, Three Wise Men; 1990 Gibraltar Xmas, the birth of Jesus with the Star; 1991 IOM Xmas 50p, Nativity Scene The Birth of Jesus; 19993 IOM Xmas, Nativity Scene The Birth of Jesus; 2000 Gibraltar Xmas, Maria and Baby Jesus and Angel; 2002 Gibraltar Xmas, Shepherds; 2005 to 2010 IOM Xmas, the 12 days of Christmas; 2013 IOM Xmas Angel, and so forth. But on the other hand, it could interpret, like the Mint was under “some thing” promoting Gibraltar on coins. Secondly, let all people on earth know that the Isle of Man is famous by its coinage again which means absolutely no doubt about it, because the Isle of Man government assigned correct right to the Pobjoy mint. Also it can see the isle of man coins are heading to a commercial way. Good sign for dealers and bad news to collectors.
To be very clear here I am not a fan of neither the Pobjoy mint nor the Royal mint. But I only was dazzled by its idea & innovation on coins struck by the Pobjoy mint. Also, the two key facts lead the Pobjoy mint two more steps ahead the Royal Mint. But the Britain modern coins market reshuffled in 2016. Could you ask a question “What does the Royal Mint have apart from history and reputation in this industry?”
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
AA die letters Diamond Finish 50ps ONLY in market,
AA die letters Colour-printed 50ps ONLY.
26th in series.
2005 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with AA die marks below
2005 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with AA die marks below
2006 Two Turtle Doves Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
AA die letters and NO die letters diamond finish 50ps found in the market.
27th in series.
2006 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with AA die marks below
2006 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2006 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with AA die marks below
2007 Three French Hens
Here, it is a way to give you more details in dept on a currency 50p coin and a diamond finish 50p coin. The significant difference between the currency and the diamond coins is all about the year on obverse. First, it will be coloured version, and then follows up by non-coloured coins.
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
AA die letters and NO die letters for plain and colour-printed 50p coins,
AA die letter coins noted die marks left on obverse.
28th in series.
2007 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2007 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2007 IOM Xmas 50p standard Finish coin with AA die marks below
2008 Four calling birds Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II)
Snowman and James exists as well as plain and colour-printed version
29th in series.
2008 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2008 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks but in different finish below
2009 Five gold rings Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II)
30th in series.
2009 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2009 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2010 Six Geese A-Laying Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
1/2 of a 12-day of Christmas.
This year the Tower mint struck “Partridge in a Pear tree” to back the Pobjoy mint. (Coins talk.)
31st in series.
2010 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2010 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2010 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with AA die marks below
2011 Father Christmas
First thing is first. It is really amazing when something it comes back after disappearing a long long time. The Mint is now commemorating tradition on 50p coins. Christmas tradition is BACK with Father Christmas on its reverse.
It can be found that ‘p’ after its denomination in period 2011 to period 2014. It is very significant change of the coinage of Isle of Man. Meanwhile, you probably see from the currency type 50p coin is very low on its quality but still seen lustrous. It can be concluded that from the point of view of quality the mint has already given up to mint Xmas series 50p coins. It is worth ponding and asking “Why did they add ‘P’ next to denomination in 2011 “. Also, some of neo-diamond finish 50ps coins have flaws on mirrored-field.
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II),
Add “p” after denomination since 2011 (i.e., Echo UK coinage change).
currency, diamond finish and colour-printed diamond finish coins noted onwards.
32nd in series.
2011 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2011 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2011 IOM Xmas 50p standard finish coin with AA die marks below
2012 Nativity Scene Angel
Not too many of Nativity Scene was struck on Xmas 50ps, and it was only a few in the whole series, in 1991, 1993 & 2012 respectively.
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
33rd in series.
2012 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2012 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2012 IOM Xmas 50p standard finish coin with AA die marks below
2013 Christmas Wreath & Candy
Back to tradition, it has been long long time to wait. Such great colours, green and red always let people remember the best time in life–Christmas time, waiting to open gift from gift socks, decorating Christmas tree at home etc.
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II)
34th in series
2013 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2013 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2013 IOM Xmas 50p standard finish coin with AA die marks below
2014 Snowman & the snowdog and Billy
The last coin in this series, it may let any coin collectors feel a bit sadness. This year, colour-printed, diamond finish and standard finish 50ps exist in the market. Standard finish 50p coins are noted “AA” and lustrous, and diamond finish without any die letters.
Note
obverse designer IRB (the 4th effigy of Q.E. II).
35th in series.
2014 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coloured-print coin with NO die marks below
2014 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin with NO die marks below
2014 IOM Xmas 50p standard finish coin with NO die marks below
2015, NO Xmas 50p Coins EXIST ! ! !
Obviously, there is no any IOM Xmas 50p coin exist this year. But I use a medallion instead here. The quality is so-called “Pobjoy Finish” from so-called “Diamond Finish”. The medal quality is prooflike at least. If you look at coins they made on behalf of the Tynwald after 2000 or 2004, the less Diamond Finish you see. The 50 years it is more likely to celebrate the long relationship between the Tynwald and the Pobjoy mint. But, the divorce between the two can not be avoided in 2017!
2015, it is the Pobjoy mint the 50th Anniversary minting coins from 1965 to 2015
2016 Christmas Pudding
After a year long waited since 2015 without any info telling when would be a 2016 version out, finally, the IoM post office announces that the latest IOM Xmas 50p coin will be back and presenting in 2016. 2016, it is a sorb year to the Mint. 2016 it the year that the Tynwald treasure only allowed to make the first batch (ie., 15,000 coins) so this permission made a miracle story only 750 diamond finish CN coins. Because of this information, so I am able to decipher more info on the Xmas series coin. 2016, it is going to say farewell to the Mint from the older partner, Tynwald. But, the mint has opened up a door for the Tower mint already, just like they did the same case in 2003/04 passing the handover of Gibraltar coinages to the Tower mint.
Note
New Pobjoy Mint obverse, echoing UK changing new Q.E.II portrait in 2015.
Very low striking quality on all three types of coins.
IOM Post Office is in charge of selling IOM coins including 2016 Xmas 50p coins.
IOM Post Office announces that only 750 diamond finish Xmas 50p coins in card, and 15,000 coins in total.
ND(5%) < BA(20%) < AA(75%), this year BA is echoing 1987 and 2004 BAs.
Inconsistency was noted on IOM Xmas 50p coins between 2014 and 2015.
The 'p' after denomination disappears since 2011, it echoes the first IOM Xmas 50p coin in 1980.
36th in series.
2016 IOM Xmas 50p diamond finish coin with NO die marks below
2016 IOM Xmas 50p standard finish coin with BA die marks below
2016 IOM Xmas 50p diamond finish coin with AA die marks below
Isle of Man Christmas 50p coin in CN from 1986 to 1996
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1986, a Horse-drawn Tram Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat
7th in series.
1986 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1987, Bus Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat facing back (echoing the 2004 Manx cat).
8th in series.
1987 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1988, Motor bike Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat.
9th in series.
BA die marks noted on standard finish coins. Die marks have BB-BA-AA.
IOM coinage change reverse’s design from Viking full-sail boat to Computer this year. IOM Viking Boats out of regular coinage commencing on this year.
Also under permission of the government of Gibraltar to mint Xmas 50p Coins this year 3 wise men.
1989, A Tram at Laxey Station Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat
10th in series.
1989 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1990, Lady of Manx Ferry Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat.
a man-made error noted.
11th in series.
1990 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1991, The birth place of Jesus-Nativity Scene Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
The first highly related with the Xmas theme.
12th in series.
1991 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
This coin is highly related to the subject of Christmas on IOM 50ps first time. According to Gregory Cameron (the designer of the last “Round Pound”), “while Christmas is based on a Christian story it is a festival for everyone; a time when we celebrate the affinity and closeness in our own families and beyond, and wish goodwill to all people”.
1992, Newspaper boy Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat
13th in series.
1992 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1993, Framed the birth of Jesus-Nativity Scene Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
14th in series.
1993 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die mark
1994, Wren Hunting Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat.
No diemarks exists since BA appeared.
15th in series.
1994 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with ND die mark (a very first time)
1995, Children sledding Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat
No diemarks for the 2nd consecutive period.
16th in series.
1995 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with NO die mark
1996, Children snowballs fighting Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
a Manx cat
No diemarks for the 3rd consecutive period.
17th in series.
1996 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with NO die mark
In brief, when you look at each coin back for 1980 to 1996, you find that each coin is a vivid picture with Prooflike or beyond quality. Two coins are related with the topic of Xmas theme, and the rest of them is introducing IOM as well as the Pobjoy Mint itself. No doubt that the Mint is the great solo minter during this period and is keen to develop & issue competitive numismatic products to collector on behalf Tynwald.
Isle of Man Christmas 50p coin in CN from 1981 to 1985
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1981, Harbor and Nikki Boat Note
Obv. designer Arnold Machin from the RM.
a Manx cat, the first time appearance, is noted.
BB and BC die letters both exist.
2nd in series.
World Exclusive 1981 Christmas Double Crown. On it reverse face, the Isle of Man legal tender 1981 Christmas Double Crown illustrates a traditional Manx Yuletide custom, practiced by the fishermen of Peel. This 19th century scene also pays tribute to the fact that 1981, the centenary of National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, has been designated Fishermen’s Year. The design shows Peel Harbour at the burn of the century; the hills to the left and St. German’s Cathedral on the right. The boats are Manx ‘Nickeys’ under full sail, leaving harbor on St. Stephen’s Day – the day after Christmas. Their mastheads are decorated with garlands of evergreens and ribbons – a time-honoured Manx Yuletide tradition. The figures in the foreground on the quay are dress in late 19th century costume. To the right of the numerals can be seen a tail-less Manx cat. The design has been created by Leslie Linday, Cert.R.A.S.. The obverse face bears the official coinage portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Arnold Machin, R.A..
1982, Carollers Note
Obv. designer Arnold Machin from the RM.
a Manx cat is noted.
3rd in series.
The Isle of Man’s Third Christmas Double Crown. Carols were a feature of Christmas celebrations as early as the 15th century, and the Yuletide custom of ‘wassailing’ is probably as old. Caroling has been as popular in Man over the centuries as in any other part of the British Isles, and at no time more so than during Queen Victoria’s reign. It is therefore appropriate that the Isle of Man’s 1982 Christmas coin – on its reverse face – should depict a group of Victorian carolers. They are portrayed before a Christmas tree against the backdrop of Castle Rushen in the former capital of the island. The design has benn created by Leslie Linday, Cert. R.A.S.. The obverse face bears the official coinage portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sculpted by Arnold Machin, R.A..
1983, Motor–Ford Model T driving right Note
Obv. designer Arnold Machin from the RM.
a Manx cat is noted.
The 75th Anniversary of Ford Model T.
4th in series.
A very special version exists as stated on COA!
75th Anniversary, Ford Model T (1908-1983)
The design depicts The town of Ramsey, and the Ford Model T driving right.
Ford Motor Company (Ford, established 1903 in USA), Ford Motor Company Limited, a subsidiary of Ford.
Ford Motor Company (England) Limited was established in England in 1909, purchased by Ford Motor Company Limited, incorporated in 1928.
Ford Motor Company Limited adopted the name of Ford of Britain in 1960. (see below a special carded xmas 50p coin).
Ford Model T, the first affordable automobile. Not only showing the success of Ford but also depicting a powerful symbol of the modernisation of America’s age.
The Isle of Man ‘s Fourth Christmas Double Crown. For the reverse of the 1983 Isle of Man Christmas Double Crown the period is the 1920’s and the scene is the town of Ramsey on the island’s north east coast. Christmas shoppers are portrayed in the dress of the period, with Ramsey market in the background. In the foreground is a Ford car. Scampering our of harm’s way, to the right of the figure ‘50’, is a tailless Manx cat whose lack of posterior appendage appears to place no limit on his agility! The design has been created by Leslie Linday, Cert.R.A.S.. The obverse face bears the official coinage portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sculpted by Arnold Machin, R.A..
1984, Trains Note
Obv. designer Arnold Machin from the RM.
5th in series.
1984 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die marks
1985, Aeroplanes Note
Obv. designer Raphael Maklouf from the RM.
6th in series.
1985 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond finish coin with BB die marks
Isle of Man Christmas Fifty Pence (50p) coin in 1980 and all CN coin certs
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This entire chapter, named Part I, will only go through IOM Xmas Fifty pence diamond finish coins in base metal from 1980 to 2016 in 4 segments, namely 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4, illustrated picture by picture. Hopeful, it gives you useful information how to grow your collection. But, here, it is all about story behind 1980 ones and this is our priority to introduce first.
The Pobjoy Mint (hereafter the Mint) invented and produced Christmas theme coins via Manx coinage on behalf of the government of the Isle of Man (hereafter Tynwald) in 1980. An issue limit was set up at 30,000 coins per year. This means the Mint could not produce in excess of 30,000 coins (i.e., upper limit) but as many as possible close to 30,000 coins (i.e., depends on demand). Also, the Mint claim that they have only had ability to produce proof decimal coins in 1980 onwards.
A significance point found on IOM 50ps over years is that the Mint only had rights (or under permissions) to partially mint coins from 1972 to 1975 on behalf of Tynwald. Because the reverse and obverse sides from these period were created by the Mint that exactly matched the Royal Mint 1971 version. Moreover, in 2016, the new sides of reverse and obverse were totally designed by the Mint showing on the T.T. theme and the Xmas series. Extra info: it is reported that Mr Derek Pobjoy, founder of the Pobjoy mint, submitted a “workable” proposal to Tynwald in 1972. This is how the Mint got them the first contract from the government of the Isle of Man. Also, you may notice that 1972 IOM 25p crown-sized coins were minted by the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). All silver 25p crown-sized coins were only distributed by Spink whom had to set up a special office on the island. Info are gathered cross panels (i.e., viking boat 50ps, IOM TT 50ps etc). Anyway, it is a bit far away off the main topic, probably let we put focus on IOM Xmas theme coins here.
Generally speaking, reverse designs of the Xmas 50p diamond finish (hereafter DF) coin in CN from 1980 to 1999 are a vivid picture that shows the very traditional style of IOM daily life (i.e., Yuletide Manx). The life is influenced by the Victorian era. Each year, a Xmas DF coin tells you a story that is absolutely different as before. In the following parts, you are able to see the world first Xmas Fifty pence coin, and then all Xmas 50p coins are illustrated year by year. Coin techs are 30.00mm in diameter and 13.50g in weight, and are most likely a proof finish standard with the 2nd and/or 3rd and/or 4th effigy of Q.E. II during the period of 1980 to 1999.
Before we down to Part I, let we talk a little bit on certs from 1980 to 2016. In the mean time, this talk will cover the mint’s logos from 1965 to present.
In pictures below, named A(a), B(b), C(c), D(d) E(e), F(f) & G(g), show the mint’s logo over the course of time, and different signatures from the treasurer of IOM (i.e., chief financial officer) in different years. Also, only four coas are list here, but it covers from 1980 to 2014.
Picture A(a) & B(b), the 1st mint logo in use from 1965 to 1996. (Picture A(a) is only for 1980 Xmas 50p MULE coin, Picture B(b) for 1984 to 1996 Xmas 50p coins. Note 1981/82/83 are big size ones, not showing within this case.)
Note: Picture A(a) shows signature of William Dawson (1980–1991) in blue version and noted green version as well, the then Manx Government Treasurer. In 1986, Department of the Treasury was formed after abolishment of the Finance Board, and was as part of reorganisation of the Isle of Man Government on a ministerial basis. Picture B(b) is signature of John Alfred Cashen (OBE) (1991 – 2001), then the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Isle of Man Treasury. A significant difference on the Arms, Crest and Badge between the two coas.
Picture C(c), the 2nd mint logo in use from 1997 to 2007. Note the Mint moved to new premises in 1997. (Picture C(c) for 1997 to 2007 Xmas 50p coins) & Picture D(d), the 3rd mint logo in use from 2008 onwards to date.
Note: Picture C(c), signature of Paul Mark Shimmin (MBE), then the Chief Financial Officer of the Isle of Man Treasury. Picture D(d), signature of Dr. Malcolm Couch, then the Chief Financial Officer of the Isle of Man Treasury. For the period of Jul 2015 to Dec 2016, Sheila Lowe*, the New Chief Financial Officer of the Isle of Man Treasury. In theory and logic, coas should have been followed up in time order above especially by chief financial officer’s signature, but sadly in reality, it is really hard to follow. Here it shows an idea what IOM Xmas 50p coin certs really are.
Pictures E(e) & F(f) & G(g)
Note only 1981 E(e) & 1982 F(f) & 1983 G(g) are A5-sized COA.
Part I
1980, Stagecoach Note
Obverse designer Arnold Machin from the RM.
Die mark BC was declared by the PM for Diamond Finish and “the first Xmas coin in the world”. BC highly and possibly stands for Before Christ on 50p diamond finish coins minted in 1980 (supporting evidence PMM on 50p coins in 2000, M = 1000 years).
1st in series.
At the beginning of Part I, it generally introduces 1980 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coins. Yes, a few of them in different variants existed. And then it slowly decomposes them into 1980 Xmas variations due to the existence of many variants and a very interesting story behind.
The Mint claimed that they had updated new machinery in 1980 so that proof/prooflike coins and sets were minted and introduced that year onwards on social platforms. This solid information could confirm that 10 out of 10 the Mint were in control of designing and minting Manx coinages (i.e., obverse and reverse), and the length of a contract was “long enough”.
1980 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish coin in pictures as follows,
1980(1) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BC die marks (so-called Diamond Finish, or PL)
1980(2) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BD die marks (PF)
1980(3) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BE die marks (PF)
1980(4) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BF die marks (carrying MULE coins reverse, PF)
There is a significant difference on BF coins. The difference on reverses between ordinary ones (for instance BC 1980(1)) and this one (below BF 1980(4.1)) is located at an area between people waving towards the boat & under the boat. The difference is noted on MULE coins as well. BF coins and BF Mule coins have the difference in common. If you get a very closer look at BF coins below, this batch of coins are PF grade coins. Based on this finding, it says that the Mint noticed the MULE error and quickly changed them to correct the obverse, but did not notice this difference. Also, it could be other way around. Assumably the coin’s reverse was the original version.
1980(4.1) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BF die marks (carrying MULE coins reverse, PF)
Also, if you look at the Mule 50p coins further, there are at least two different the obverses. This means, (assumption) they were minting xmas theme 50p coins for 1980, and they had to break the production chain to mint coins like AC/D for the Viking show in NY due to the unexpected attendance of the show in NY in 1980. (The Mint normally uses one letter to present precious metals like B(Pt), C(Au) and D/E/F(Ag), and two letters for basic metal like CN(AA etc). From here, you clearly see that a) the Mint will not do anythings on precious metals, b) AA/AB batch codes existed in 1979 for the purpose of regular coinage, so BB/BC/… on IOM 50p coins are made for serious collectors. BB/BC/… comes from a loop based on B with one more letter from the precious metals.) At this point, it concludes that the attendance of the Viking show in NY was not in their plan and they were under lot of pressures to do so.
Supporting evidence for above. You are able to see two very different die marks in 1980, BF come from 1980 Xmas theme and DD come from 1980 Viking the boats theme. Based on info that the PM have had purchases on machinery in early 1980s. Therefore, BF and DD are correlated each other somehow. Also, from this two die marks, you can see how the Mint grows up. Interestingly, the BF coin below is a coin in proof grade.
1980(4.2) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BF die marks (MULE coin, PL, dull version*)
1980(4.3) IOM Xmas Diamond Finish 50p Coin with BF die marks (MULE coin, PL, shiny version*)
*Note: Versions of Dull & Shiny please refers 1987 Viking boat 50p dull and shiny version.
Here it shows the Mule 50p coins, “stateless”, ever in British coinage history above. Seen from the pictures, 1980 IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish Coins with BF die marks were NGC slabbed, which are both a MULE coin. More significant about them it is “STATELESS”. Reference books say that only a few coins exist. The obverses have many different grade types at least two. Note: the obverse designer was Arnold Machin from the RM.
It is very interesting to talk about the mule coins. Because the Mint did make this stateless coin either unintentionally or intentionally. However, it is understandable that we are all human being that make errors. Sadly, the Mint will never admit this type of error made publicly. So what really did happen in 1980 to the Mint? Secondly, the Mint were called for entering the Viking Exhibition show in New York with the coins minted in 1979 but need 1980 on obverse. Thirdly, all obverses were changing legend to Isle of Man Elizabeth II from Elizabeth the Second this year. Do not forget that the Mint claimed they had had new machinery in 1980. Meanwhile, if you ponder the section below, you will have your own answers on mule coins and will see how careless they were under huge pressure. From the perspective of the Mint, they welcome this glory in 5 year time (ie., 1975 to 1980). This shows how hard works they did. Therefore, it is worth spending time on talking the mule coins, and is a firm fact that never can be changed on coins.
1980(5) IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish Coin with BB die letters (PF)
1980(5.1) IOM Xmas 50p Diamond Finish (really???) Coin with BB die letters (PL)
To sum up briefly, this part is an extra part for the purpose of illustrating these types of strange BB-die-letter coins above and a comparison each other. Apparently, you now have seen many different finish 1980 Xmas 50p coins. So, is the low grade BB(5.1) die letter coin a diamond finish coin or not? Then you will have your own decision in your mind. Obviously, at a first glance it has low minting quality in contrast with BC(1)/BD(2)/BE(3)/BF(4)/BF(4.1, 4.2) (mule)/BB(5) die letter coins, because of No Mirrored-like Field.
Additional, it shows below a Gold proof version of the very 1st gold 50p of this series,
1980(x) IOM Xmas 50p Proof Gold Coin Slabbed by NGC
Credit: NGC database.
[Note]:
This year, it has A, B, D and E under the Prefix A, and B, C, D, E and F under the Prefix B. Meanwhile, B, D and E is overlapped between the Prefix A and B. As mentioned before, the sequence C will not appear at the same time between the Prefix A and the Prefix B (support evidence 1982 AC and the babycrib privy). The single die letter like D and E is used to mint coins in silver this year. The sequence E comes from the last sequence of the Prefix A, but D from the Prefix B is not. Normally, D, E and F are used to mint coins in silver, B for platinum proof and C for gold proof. The D and E die letter is for silver proof (support evidence 1980 Xmas 50p proof coin in silver). The F die letter was first time used on 1979 Viking boat 50p coins in silver BU. The BF die letters on Xmas 50p coins in base metal are really containing important information internally and somehow making the mule coins more valuable.
