A type I counterfeit one-pound coin in a different alloy
This counterfeit was classed as type I based on its edge lettering. It was made of a brass alloy which would not be found commercially. The presumption must be that this alloy was specifically blended by the counterfeiter to reproduce the colour of a one-pound coin. This means that unlike the other's seen in this series, coin P17 did not need to be and was not coated.
Previously on this site the type I characteristics were described as:
"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."
COIN P17
This counterfeit had a 1997 obverse and a Scottish lion reverse. The correct match for the 1997 obverse should be the English three lions reverse. This demonstrated the coin was counterfeit and a mule. The alignment of the two sides was correct, as was the weight.
| Obverse | Reverse | Edge | Weight | Diameter | Edge Thickness | Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Scotish lion | DECUS ET TUTAMEN + | 9.335g | N/S 22.64mm E/W 22.61mm |
2.96-3.09mm | correct |
Edge Lettering distances
| Identity | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine 1997 £1 coin | 7.8mm | 8.1mm | 14.6mm | 6.4mm | 4.3mm | 5.9mm | 18.3mm | 6.8mm | 7.5mm |
| Coin P14 | - | - | 12.1mm | 14mm | - | - | 17.1mm | - | - |
| Coin P17 | - | - | 11.9mm | 13.8mm | - | - | 17.1mm | - | - |
The images below compare the edge lettering of this counterfeit with counterfeit coin 14 which is considered to be of the same type.
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Coin P14, illustrating the DECUS on the counterfeit's edge |
Coin P17, illustrating the shape of the letters US of DECUS on the counterfeit's edge. |
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Coin P14, illustrating ET on the counterfeit's edge. |
Coin P17, ET on the counterfeit's edge. |
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Coin P14, the E of the TUTAMEN on the edge appeared set above the preceding M. |
Coin P17, the E of the TUTAMEN on the counterfeit's edge appears to have the same offset as P14. |
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Coin P14, the cross on the counterfeit's edge ends in blobs rather than cross crosslets. |
Coin P17, the cross has "blobs" very similar to P14. |
A short further comment
The use of the same edge lettering across two alloys appears to show the counterfeiter developing and improving his [her?] manufacturing technique.