3.4.2 Examples of leaded brass alloy counterfeit one-pound coins
Lead is added to brass to improve its machinability. Similarly to the binary brasses it is very commonly used in general engineering. Counterfeits using this alloy have occured at a similar time and rate as the binary brass counterfeits.
A type XX counterfeit
COIN P15
This coin has been categorised as a type XX coin. The author has not been able to match the edge lettering to any of D.J.Cane's categories.
The main characteristic of this type is no cross on the edge lettering with a significantly large distance between the E and T of ET. The edge lettering characters do not have any serifs and the U and S of DECUS are of a characteristic shape.
This example was identified in Birmingham in 1999. It had a 1993 obverse and Ensigns Amorial reverse, that is a correct match. The alignment of the sides was incorrect. At least one other counterfeit of this type has been examined by the author.
| Obverse | Reverse | Edge | Weight | Diameter | Edge Thickness | Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Ensigns Amorial | DECUS ET TUTAMEN | 9.355g | N/S 22.32mm E/W 22.31mm |
3.16-3.19mm | 8.0 o'clock |
Edge Lettering distances
| Identity | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine 1993 £1 coin | 7.4mm | 7.7mm | 14.6mm | 6.5mm | 4.8mm | 5.7mm | 18.7mm | 6.6mm | 7.9mm |
| Coin P15 | - | - | 13.6mm | 7.6mm | 5.7mm | 4.4mm | - | - | - |
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The DEC of DECUS of the counterfeit's edge lettering. |
The CUS of DECUS in the edge lettering. |
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The ET of the counterfeit's edge lettering. This shows a significanly larger than usual distance between the E and the T. |
The TUT of the TUTAMEN of the edge lettering. |
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A magnified image of the US of DECUS in the edge lettering |
The shape of the U and S of the edge lettering is unusual. The tool used to make the edge lettering appears to have had the bottom and top elements of the S made longer by a straight line punch or similar tool. |
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The counterfeit had a die crack on top right hand side of the obverse table. |
An enlargement of the obverse die crack. |
