TOP 10 BRITISH HALF PENNIES WORTH BIG MONEY!!

North Central Coins
8 Aug 202310:00
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRJoin Dana from North Central Coins as she explores the top 10 most valuable pre-decimal British half pennies, ranging from the 1860 mule half penny to the 1967 Queen Elizabeth II half penny. Learn about the key features that make these coins worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds, and tips on where to find them, making this video a must-watch for coin collectors and enthusiasts.

Takeaways
  • 📈 The video discusses the top 10 most valuable British half pennies, focusing on pre-decimalized coins.
  • 📅 Decimal Day in the UK and Ireland occurred on February 15, 1971, leading to the modernization of the currency system and the phasing out of old denominations.
  • 💰 The value of these coins can range significantly, with some examples potentially worth thousands of pounds or dollars.
  • 🔢 The list starts with the 1860 mule half penny and ends with the 1967 Queen Elizabeth II half penny.
  • 🗓️ The 1860 mule half penny is extremely rare, with the highest graded example worth around £2,160.
  • 👑 The 1861 Queen Victoria half penny in MS 60 grade can be worth up to £220.
  • 🏰 The 1862 half penny with the 'A at Lighthouse' variety can be worth up to £3,200 for an MS 63 example.
  • 👑 The 1869 Queen Victoria half penny can range from a few dollars to £1,120 depending on its condition.
  • 👑 The 1925 King George V modified bust half penny in MS 66 is worth around £25.
  • 👑 The 1939 King George VI half penny can be worth up to £100 for a high-grade example.
  • 🔍 The video suggests looking for these coins in lots online or through local marketplaces, and emphasizes the possibility of finding them through coin rolls or eBay.
Q & A

  • What is the significance of the video's topic?

    -The video discusses the top 10 most valuable British half pennies, highlighting their historical importance and potential monetary value in today's market.

  • When did the United Kingdom and Ireland switch to decimal currency?

    -The United Kingdom and Ireland decimalized their currency on February 15th, 1971, which led to the modernization of the currency system and the phasing out of old denominations, including the old British half pennies.

  • What is the value of the 1860 mule half penny in its highest graded known example?

    -The highest graded known example of the 1860 mule half penny, an MS-60, is worth around £2,160.

  • What distinguishes the 1861 Queen Victoria half penny from other half pennies?

    -The 1861 Queen Victoria half penny can be identified without needing to look for varieties or errors. In a high grade like MS 60, it can be worth up to £220, significantly more than a worn condition piece.

  • How can you identify the rare 1862 'A at Lighthouse' variety half penny?

    -To identify the 'A at Lighthouse' variety, one must look for a small capital letter 'A' touching the linear line to the left of the Eddystone Lighthouse on the coin.

  • What makes the 1862 'B at Lighthouse' variety half penny more valuable than the 'A at Lighthouse' variety?

    -The 'B at Lighthouse' variety is more valuable because it is rarer and has a small capital letter 'B' touching the linear line to the left of the Eddystone Lighthouse, with the highest graded known example being worth around £4,500 in MS-60 condition.

  • What is the value range for the 1869 Queen Victoria half penny?

    -The 1869 Queen Victoria half penny can range in value from a couple of dollars for a low-grade piece to £1,120 for an MS65 example.

  • How can one differentiate between the 1925 King George V modified bust half penny and the regular one?

    -The modified bust half penny has slightly more detail compared to the regular one, which can be identified by examining the coin closely.

  • What is the value of the 1939 King George VI half penny in good condition?

    -A good condition 1939 King George VI half penny, graded MS 64, can be worth up to £100.

  • Why are modern British coins generally less valuable?

    -Modern British coins are generally less valuable because they are more common and there are fewer errors and varieties that would make them premium collectibles.

  • What is the most valuable modern half penny on the list, and what is its potential value?

    -The most valuable modern half penny on the list is the 1967 Queen Elizabeth II half penny, which can be worth up to £305 for an MS67 example.

Outlines
00:00
🏅 Top 10 Most Valuable British Half Pennies

This paragraph introduces the theme of the video, which is about the top 10 most valuable British half pennies from before the decimalization in the UK and Ireland. The host, Dana, sets the stage by mentioning the historical context of decimal day in 1971, which led to the modernization of the currency system and the obsolescence of old denominations. The video will focus on pre-decimalized British half pennies that can be worth a significant amount of money today. Dana also encourages viewers to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, and turning on notifications for new videos.

05:02
🔎 Rare and Valuable Half Penny Varieties

In this paragraph, Dana dives into the details of the rare and valuable half pennies, starting with the 1860 mule half penny, which is extremely rare and valuable. The discussion continues with the 1861 Queen Victoria half penny, emphasizing the value of coins in higher grades. The 1862 half pence with specific varieties, such as the 'a' at Lighthouse and 'B' at Lighthouse, are highlighted for their rarity and potential high value. The 1869 Queen Victoria half penny is also mentioned, with its value increasing significantly in better conditions. The paragraph concludes with the 1925 King George V modified bust half penny, which, while not as valuable, still holds interest for collectors due to its unique details.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Decimal Day
Decimal Day refers to the specific date, February 15th, 1971, when the United Kingdom and Ireland transitioned from the old currency system of pounds, shillings, and pence to a decimalized currency system. This event is significant in the context of the video as it marked the end of the circulation of old denominations, including the half penny, which are the focus of the video's discussion on valuable coins.
💡Pre-decimalized British half pennies
Pre-decimalized British half pennies are the half penny coins that were minted and circulated in the United Kingdom before the country's currency decimalized in 1971. These coins are collectible and can be highly valuable to collectors, especially those with rare varieties or errors. The video's main theme revolves around the top 10 most valuable pre-decimalized British half pennies, highlighting their potential worth and historical significance.
💡Mule half penny
A mule half penny is a rare type of British coin that features a mismatched obverse and reverse, meaning it has a toothed border on one side and a beaded border on the other. The term 'mule' in numismatics refers to a coin that has been incorrectly minted with components that were not intended to be paired. The 1816 mule half penny mentioned in the video is particularly valuable due to its rarity and unique design.
💡Queen Victoria half penny
The Queen Victoria half penny refers to the British half penny coins that were minted during the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. These coins are collectible, and their value can vary greatly depending on the coin's condition and any unique features or errors. The video discusses specific years and varieties of Queen Victoria half pennies that are particularly valuable.
💡Variety
In the context of the video, 'variety' refers to specific design or minting differences that can be found on certain coins, which can significantly affect their value. These varieties might include minor changes in the design elements, such as the addition or modification of letters, or differences in the border design. Identifying these varieties is crucial for collectors as they can indicate a coin's rarity and desirability.
💡Grade
The term 'grade' in numismatics refers to the condition of a coin, which is assessed based on its wear, preservation, and overall appearance. The grading scale typically ranges from 'Poor' or 'Good' for heavily worn coins to 'Mint State' (MS) for coins in pristine, uncirculated condition. The grade of a coin is a critical factor in determining its value, with higher grades often commanding higher prices.
💡Modified bust
The term 'modified bust' refers to a design change in the representation of a monarch's portrait on a coin. In the context of the video, it specifically refers to the 1925 King George V half penny, which features a slightly more detailed bust of the king compared to the regular version. This modification can make the coin more valuable to collectors, especially if they are looking for specific design variations.
💡King George VI half penny
The King George VI half penny refers to the British half penny coins that were minted during the reign of King George VI, which lasted from 1936 to 1952. These coins are of interest to collectors, particularly those from the earlier years of his reign, as they can be more valuable due to their age and potential rarity.
💡COM variety
The COM variety refers to a specific type of minting error or variety on a coin, which in the context of the video, is associated with the 1957 half penny. The term 'COM' likely stands for 'commerce' or 'common,' indicating a standard or typical variety. However, in the case of the 1957 half penny, the COM variety is actually the rarer of the two varieties, distinguished by the appearance of the water lines above the date on the reverse of the coin.
💡Queen Elizabeth II half penny
The Queen Elizabeth II half penny refers to the British half penny coins that were minted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, which began in 1952 and continued until the coin's discontinuation after Decimal Day in 1971. These coins are the most recent in the series discussed in the video and are notable for their potential to be found by collectors in more modern coin lots or through coin roll hunting.
💡Numismatics
Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins and paper money, and is a hobby and academic pursuit for many enthusiasts. The field involves the examination of coins for their historical significance, design variations, rarity, and condition, which are all factors that contribute to a coin's value. The video's content is deeply rooted in numismatic principles, as it discusses the value and rarity of various British half pennies.
Highlights

The video discusses the top 10 most valuable British half pennies from the pre-decimalization era.

Decimal Day in the UK and Ireland occurred on February 15, 1971, marking the transition to a modernized currency system.

The 1860 mule half penny, with a toothed border on one side and beaded border on the other, is extremely rare and valuable.

An MS-60 graded 1860 mule half penny is worth around £2,160, with higher grades potentially fetching tens of thousands of pounds or dollars.

The 1861 Queen Victoria half penny in MS 60 grade can be worth up to £220, depending on its condition.

The 1862 half penny with the 'A at Lighthouse' variety is highly sought after, with an MS 60 example worth around £2,060.

The 'B at Lighthouse' variety of the 1862 half penny is even more valuable, with an MS-60 example evaluated at £4,500.

The 1869 Queen Victoria half penny can be worth up to £1,120 for an MS65 example.

The 1925 King George V modified bust half penny, though not extremely valuable, can reach £300 for a high-grade example.

The 1939 King George VI half penny, while not as valuable as earlier dates, can still be worth up to £100 for a high-grade example.

The 1957 half penny with the 'com c' variety, identified by less ripply water lines, can be worth up to £100 in high grade.

The 1963 Queen Elizabeth II half penny is not very valuable, with an MS64 example worth around £50.

The 1967 British half penny, the most modern on the list, can be worth up to £305 for an MS67 example.

The video provides tips on where to find pre-decimalization British coins, such as online marketplaces and local coin shops.

The host encourages viewers to share their experiences of finding rare coins in the comments section.

The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to follow for updates on new content.

Transcripts

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Coin CollectingNumismatic ValuesUK CurrencyPre-Decimal CoinsRare Half PenniesValue IdentificationHistorical CurrencyCollectible TreasuresNumismatic GuideBritish Coinage