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- Product ID: 43739
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The Great Britain 1860-1967 Large Pennies 100 Pc. Lot is a fascinating collection for both novice and experienced collectors. This assortment includes a wide range of British pennies, dating back to the mid-19th century and continuing into the 20th century. The British penny has a long history, having been an integral part of the currency system in the United Kingdom for centuries. The 100-piece lot offers an excellent representation of the evolution of British coinage, reflecting changes in design, minting practices, and historical events over more than a century. As such, it provides collectors with a deep dive into the development of British numismatics.
The history of the British penny stretches back to the reign of King Offa of Mercia in the 8th century. However, the large penny that is featured in this collection emerged much later, in the mid-1800s. The first large pennies, introduced during the Victorian era, were part of a wider overhaul of British currency. The British Government sought to standardize coinage, and as part of this effort, it released the large penny in 1860. It was designed by the famous engraver, Leonard Charles Wyon, and it marked a significant departure from previous smaller coins. Over time, the design of the penny evolved with the changing monarchs, but the large penny remained an important currency piece in Britain for more than a century.
The design of the large penny evolved over the years, with several distinct types being produced between 1860 and 1967. The early design, introduced in 1860, featured a bust of Queen Victoria on the obverse, facing left. The reverse depicted Britannia, the national personification of Britain, seated on a rock with a trident in one hand and a shield in the other. This design symbolized the strength and unity of the British Empire. As the years went on, the designs were altered to reflect the changing faces of the monarchy, as well as significant historical events. The 1902 penny, for example, featured a bust of King Edward VII, while the 1937 penny displayed a portrait of King George VI. These changes not only reflect the passage of time but also the political and social transformations that took place in the United Kingdom during this period.
The design on the obverse of these coins always featured a portrait of the reigning monarch, with the reverse showing Britannia, symbols of the British Empire, or a variety of other motifs that reflected important national themes. For example, during the reign of George VI, the reverse design featured a simpler, more modern depiction of Britannia, while coins produced during the Second World War often carried patriotic symbols to commemorate Britain's resilience. The 1967 large penny, which was one of the last to be issued before the coin’s replacement by the smaller decimal penny in 1971, featured a modern interpretation of Britannia and the traditional British iconography, making it a fitting tribute to the nation’s long history of coinage.
The mintage of the large pennies varied from year to year, depending on factors such as demand, economic conditions, and the availability of resources. Early large pennies, such as those minted in 1860, were produced in relatively small quantities compared to later years. However, with the rise of the British Empire and increased trade, the production of pennies ramped up, and by the 20th century, the coin was being minted in much higher numbers. The mintage numbers for each year are available through historical records, and they provide valuable insight into the economic conditions of the time. For example, during times of war, such as World War I and World War II, coin production often fluctuated, and the design of the penny occasionally had to be altered to conserve precious metals.
Given the long history of the large penny, it comes as no surprise that the coins in this 100-piece lot represent a variety of conditions. The lot contains a mix of well-worn coins as well as examples in much better condition. The coins in this collection range from coins that have seen years of circulation to those that have been well preserved. The condition of each coin is crucial in determining its value, as collectors often seek well-preserved examples with minimal wear. Coins in excellent condition, especially those from earlier years, are considered highly valuable. Coins that are heavily worn, while still part of the historical narrative, typically carry a lower value. However, even coins in less than perfect condition are desirable for the historical significance they represent.
The 100-piece lot allows collectors to explore the changes in design and minting techniques used by the Royal Mint during this period. Coins produced during Queen Victoria's reign were struck with older methods and often show signs of hand engraving, while later coins from the 20th century demonstrate the Royal Mint's advancements in coin production technology. The differences between coins produced during the Victorian era and those struck in the 20th century can be particularly striking, with the later coins generally exhibiting sharper detail and a more standardized appearance.
The historical significance of the large penny is another reason why this 100-piece lot is so appealing to collectors. These coins were in circulation during some of the most important events in British history, including the reign of Queen Victoria, the First World War, the Second World War, the establishment of the NHS, and the early years of the postwar period. The large penny thus acts as a tangible connection to these momentous events, offering collectors a glimpse into the everyday lives of people during those times. For many collectors, the large penny is more than just a piece of currency; it is a symbol of the history of Britain and its empire.
In addition to their historical and design significance, the large pennies in this lot also provide insight into the changing economy of Britain over a century. The years during which the pennies were minted saw significant changes in the British economy, from the industrial revolution and the expansion of the empire to the postwar economic challenges. The large penny was an essential part of the economic system during this period, used by the public for everyday transactions, and it offers a unique perspective on the relationship between currency and the broader historical context in which it was used.
The 1860-1967 large pennies in this 100-piece lot are a fantastic resource for collectors interested in British numismatics, history, and design. These coins are more than just pieces of currency; they represent the story of an evolving nation, the changes in its monarchy, and the economic forces that shaped its growth. For anyone looking to build a collection of British coins, the large penny is an essential and fascinating addition. With a wide variety of dates, designs, and conditions, this 100-piece lot offers collectors the chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of British coinage and to gain a deeper understanding of the changing world in which these coins were used.