The 1857/5 half sov

[echidna]

This thread is about about the 1857/5 overdate half sovereign.
Its listed in the catalogues etc and given some importance by dealers.
I would be happy to be proved wrong but the reality is that most examples have been attributed incorrectly.
And that it may not actually exist.

Also much confusion exists: Eg in McDonalds the 1855/7 overdate has an image of the dropped 7.

I will also mention some of the other varieties of this date.
All images are mine except where noted.

Fat 7 variety
These are scarce but not too hard to come by.
And do not sell for any premium above the normal type.
My guess is its a heavily recut 7.


Dropped 7 variety
Not too hard to come by.
And no premium above the normal type.

This image ex Nobles


The 57/55 overdate
There are at least four different versions.
ALL of the following types have been presented and sold as 7 over 5 overdates.

The third image was taken from ebay.
I see a recut 7 plus a blob that could be anything.
I have seen multiple examples of all the other examples.
But only one of these.







SYDNFY instead of SYDNEY
Looks a bit like an F instead of E but is just a filled die.
Interesting nonetheless.
I have sighted three examples.
Notably these are all ''overdates'' too.
Refer image 2 of the "overdates".



R over E in VICTORIA
Appears to be a genuine R over E.
The top right hand tip of the E under the R is tiny but unmistakable.
Two low grade examples sighted as per photos.

[nealeffendi]

How (or more importantly "WHO") determines what is an overdate?
Seems that the lure of a high priced rarity might tempt sellers (dealers?) to declare an interesting (mild premium) recut date as a must have overdate (to complete a full date collection).
The "overdate" that stands out is the coin with doubling of the whole date. What made a neat, three straight sides projection from the serif of the 7? Almost like there was a sans serif 7 to start with.

[echidna]

How (or more importantly "WHO") determines what is an overdate?

In general there is no authority.
In this case I believe that Spink Australia decided it is an overdate.

[drakesterling]

This is the one I sold a few years ago. It appears to be the same coin as in image 3. It's the so-called discovery coin, and the first time, to my knowledge, that the coin was referred to as an overdate.
http://www.drakesterling.com/sold-coins/products/18575-sydney-mint-half-sovereign-overdate

I know longer own the coin, but if you want closer images, I can send them. Feedback welcome.

[echidna]

This is the one I sold a few years ago. It appears to be the same coin as in image 3. It's the so-called discovery coin, and the first time, to my knowledge, that the coin was referred to as an overdate.
http://www.drakesterling.com/sold-coins/products/18575-sydney-mint-half-sovereign-overdate

I know longer own the coin, but if you want closer images, I can send them. Feedback welcome.

Thanks Eric
Some better pics would be great