Tag: Altered
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1936 UK Painted Threepence
A colourful version of one of George VI’s last coins The last circulating coin we wrote up from the UK got the “altered” tag, in that case because it had been carved. Today’s will as well, although the changes are more cosmetic. The UK This threepence was issued under George V. Son of Edward VII,…
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1919 Italy 20 Centesimi
A re-used coin from the Kingdom of Italy The Kingdom of Italy In talking about one of the last Papal States coins, we had a bit of a look at the make-up of Italy in the mid-19th century. Broadly there were three kingdoms (Sardinia, Lombardy-Ventia and the Kingdom of the two Sicilies), three sovereign duchies,…
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1989 Cuba 1 Peso – impact damage
Interesting damage to this coin from Communist Cuba Cuba 1920s-1980s When we covered the 1920 5 Centavos, we also covered the history of Cuba to that time. Let’s pick up in the 1920s. Gerardo Machado y Morales became president in 1925. His rule has been described as “Cruel Dictatorship”. On top of the economic hardships…
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19 B.C. Rome Augustus Denarius Fouree
An ancient coin which isn’t what it seems This is a bonus entry for Day 18, “R” of the Blogging from A-Z April Challenge!R = Rome. Obverse The Denarius is one of the most well-known denominations of ancient Roman coins. It was the most important silver coin in the Roman Republic and Empire for over 500…
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1975 Germany 5 Deutsche Mark (Cancelled)
A coin whose story didn’t end when it was demonetised This is my entry for Day 7 “G” of the Blogging from A-Z April Challenge!G = Germany. East and West Map of Germany showing West Germany (Green) and East Germany (Orange), from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_reunification Following WWII, Germany, even more than most countries, needed to rebuild. Germany was…
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1643 Malta 4 Tari
An interesting countermarked coin Knights of Malta I’ve previously mentioned the Sovereign Order of Malta, founded in the 11th century, and still active. Like many religious organisations, the Order today is primarily focussed on helping those in need. Also like several other religious organisations (notably the Pope, currently the head of the Catholic Church, formerly…
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1902-10 UK Penny “Art”
An interesting cut-out coin (and a bonus altered coin) Obverse The original coin is a United Kingdom Edward VII Penny 1902 – 1910. Edward VII ruled from January 1901 when his mother, Queen Victoria, passed away, until his own death (at 68 years old) in 1910. The piece has been carved quite carefully to cutout…
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1835 Brazil 40 Réis countermarked on 80 Réis
A look at countermarked coins during a tumultuous period Brazil Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest nation in the world. Brazil has a 7,400km (4,500 mile) coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. It has borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. It is known for its dense…
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2013 USA WheresGeorge $1 Bill
A well-travelled banknote Obverse I was recently talking with a contact in the United States who wanted to send me a dollar bill. Why? So he could track it and get “WG hits” in as many places as possible. Intrigued, I agreed, and he duly sent me a $1 bill. It’s a well-used one, worn,…
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1999 US Penny with Cross cut-out
It makes cents to follow Jesus. The “Lincoln memorial cent” is one of the most well-known US coin designs. Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse has been constant since 1909 to the present day (well, 2023 as I write this at least). The Lincoln memorial reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial (which is in Washington DC).…
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Cut Gallienus Antelope Antoninianus
Cutting coins to give change goes back much further than medieval England: This coin was issued under Gallienus. The obverse is very similar to the Gallienus Stag I posted previously. Indeed, this Antoninianus is from exactly the same series, and features an antelope: As well as being cut in half, this coin is just generally…
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Henry III Long Cross cut pennies 1247-1279
In recent times, the UK has minted pennies, half pennies and farthings (1/4 penny), each as their own denomination coin. That wasn’t always the case. This is a penny issued under Henry III between 1247 – 1279. It shows the King’s portrait, facing front, with text around the edge. The coin has been cut in…