3.4.1 Examples of binary brass alloy counterfeit one-pound coins
Binary brass alloys occur commonly in the general engineering industry. So it is perhaps not surprising that, at least since the early 1990's, a small number of counterfeit one-pound coins have been found made of this material.
A type I counterfeit
COIN P14
The faces of the P14 one-pound coin. Note the partially worn away white coating. |
This coin has been categorised as a type I coin. This is mainly because it appears to have the same edge type as D.J.Cane's edge I. It should be noted that Cane described the three counterfeits he had examined with this type of edge as having been made from an orange-yellow alloy and coated or toned to disguise this colour. This counterfeit certainly had a coating but the author would not have described the underlying alloy as orange-yellow. This example was identified in the English Midlands in 1999. It had a 1996 obverse with the "Ensigns Amorial" reverse. This means it was a mule as the 1996 obverse should be matched with the "Celtic Cross" reverse. The alignment between the two faces was significantly incorrect. It is the author's opinion that this counterfeit was produced by striking.
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The main characteristic of this type is the large distance between the edge lettering words of DECUS and ET. A secondary identifier is the endings of the top elements of the cross finishing with "blobs" rather than crossed crosses.
| Obverse | Reverse | Edge | Weight | Diameter | Edge Thickness | Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Ensigns Amorial | DECUS ET TUTAMEN + | 9.626g | N/S 22.68mm E/W 22.67mm |
3.00-3.3.10mm | 10.0 o'clock |
Edge Lettering distances
| Identity | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine 1996 £1 coin | 7.4mm | 8mm | 14.7mm | 6.6mm | 4.7mm | 5mm | 18.5mm | 6.6mm | 7.9mm |
| Coin P14 | 5mm | 5.4mm | 12.1mm | 14mm | 3.9mm | 5.9mm | 17.1mm | 6.2mm | 7.2mm |
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The DECUS of the counterfeit's edge lettering. |
There was an abnormally large distance between DECUS and ET on the counterfeit's edge. |
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The ET of the counterfeit's edge lettering. |
The E of the TUTAMEN of the edge lettering appeared set above the preceding M. |
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The cross on the counterfeit's edge ends in blobs rather than cross crosslets. |
The cross on the edge lettering of this type of counterfeit is very different from the cross on a genuine coin from 1983 [see left]. Unfortunately the quality of the cross on the coins produced by the Royal Mint has deteriorated. So that the cross on a genuine 1997 coin [see below left] is often only marginally different from that on the counterfeit shown. |
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The obverse of this counterfeit had a defect on its left hand table [see below]. This defect was considered a manufacturing defect but not one that would reoccur in exactly the same position. |
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The counterfeit had a defect on left hand side of the obverse table. |
An enlargement of the obverse defect. |
This edge lettering type has been found in a counterfeit made with a different grade of brass, see coin P17.