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Sub-strains
Sub-strains
At the time of publishing the JNAA a peculiarity was observed in the coin designated "UP8" (the latest Unicorn Penny discovered) at the time. While most attributes of this coin were consistent with other Unicorn Pennies, there was a noticeable difference in the shape of the date numeral '3' (see images below). This observation pointed to the possibility of Unicorn Penny sub-strains existing, which suggested that multiple working tools may have been used in the coin's production.
At the time of publishing the JNAA a peculiarity was observed in the coin designated "UP8" (the latest Unicorn Penny discovered) at the time. While most attributes of this coin were consistent with other Unicorn Pennies, there was a noticeable difference in the shape of the date numeral '3' (see images below). This observation pointed to the possibility of Unicorn Penny sub-strains existing, which suggested that multiple working tools may have been used in the coin's production.
UP 2
UP8
UP2 (left) shows a pronounced curvature on the top of the '3' in the date, which is typical of all the Unicorn Pennies. UP8 (right), however, has a considerably less pronounced curvature in the counterpart '3'.
UP2 (left) shows a pronounced curvature on the top of the '3' in the date, which is typical of all the Unicorn Pennies. UP8 (right), however, has a considerably less pronounced curvature in the counterpart '3'.
Interestingly, the '3' in the date of UP8 is very similar in shape to the '3' that appears in the 1930 penny (see below), which suggests another link between the two coins.
Interestingly, the '3' in the date of UP8 is very similar in shape to the '3' that appears in the 1930 penny (see below), which suggests another link between the two coins.
Examining the '3' used in both the 1913 and 1923 pennies (the only other pennies prior to 1930 that featured a date numeral '3') reveals that in both coins the numeral is shaped differently to UP8.
Examining the '3' used in both the 1913 and 1923 pennies (the only other pennies prior to 1930 that featured a date numeral '3') reveals that in both coins the numeral is shaped differently to UP8.
It is worth noting that a similar '3' also appears in the dates of other 1931 varieties that feature a Birmingham reverse. However, on close examination, the '3' in the Birmingham date varieties appears to be different to the '3' used in both the 1930 penny and UP8 (see below).
It is worth noting that a similar '3' also appears in the dates of other 1931 varieties that feature a Birmingham reverse. However, on close examination, the '3' in the Birmingham date varieties appears to be different to the '3' used in both the 1930 penny and UP8 (see below).
The '3' in the date of the Birmingham reverse die of the 1931 penny varieties (above) presents with a 'teardrop' end on the top curvature.
The top curvature of the '3' in the date of the UP8 (above) appears to terminate with a flat cut line. The '3' in the date of the 1930 penny also appears to terminate with a similar flat cut line.
Another interesting observation is that the dropped '1' in the date of UP8 is not in the same position as the dropped '1' found in other Unicorn Pennies (see below). If we define the space between the '3' and '1' in Unicorn Pennies as "wide date" (due to a more upright '1') then we can say that UP8 represents a "normal date" sub-strain.
Another interesting observation is that the dropped '1' in the date of UP8 is not in the same position as the dropped '1' found in other Unicorn Pennies (see below). If we define the space between the '3' and '1' in Unicorn Pennies as "wide date" (due to a more upright '1') then we can say that UP8 represents a "normal date" sub-strain.
A superimposed image of UP2 over UP8 (above) reveals the different placement of the dropped '1' in both coins. The difference in the '3' is also noted.
The above comparison reveals that at least two of the date numerals (the '3' and the rightmost '1') had been pressed into blank hubs (e.g. '19_ _') as individual numeral punches. However, irregularities such as the malformed base of the leftmost numeral '1' present evidence of additional alterations taking place.
The above comparison reveals that at least two of the date numerals (the '3' and the rightmost '1') had been pressed into blank hubs (e.g. '19_ _') as individual numeral punches. However, irregularities such as the malformed base of the leftmost numeral '1' present evidence of additional alterations taking place.
A further discovery of die markers in UP2 that can be traced to the 1929 penny (observation courtesy of F. Lever) points to the use of a 1929 reverse hub.
A further discovery of die markers in UP2 that can be traced to the 1929 penny (observation courtesy of F. Lever) points to the use of a 1929 reverse hub.
Some strains of the 1929 penny (left) feature die markers that are also found in UP2 (right). This confirms a link between the 1929 penny and UP2 (as well as possible links to other Unicorn Pennies). It is proposed that the link arises from a common hub (see Further Research page).
This would have been a copy relief hub with leftmost '1', the '2' and the rightmost '9' removed. However, the fact that the 1929 die markers only appear in UP2 (i.e. these markers do not appear in any other Unicorn Penny) suggests that either multiple 1929 hub sources were used or that the processing of hubs/dies varied from one Unicorn Penny to another. That is, if the hubs/dies were properly annealed, polished and hardened, it would have been less likely for the markers to be visible on the struck coins. Accordingly, it is possible that more than one sub-strain of the Unicorn Penny exists; reflecting the minor adjustments in production methods. This is entirely expected in experimental coins.
This would have been a copy relief hub with leftmost '1', the '2' and the rightmost '9' removed. However, the fact that the 1929 die markers only appear in UP2 (i.e. these markers do not appear in any other Unicorn Penny) suggests that either multiple 1929 hub sources were used or that the processing of hubs/dies varied from one Unicorn Penny to another. That is, if the hubs/dies were properly annealed, polished and hardened, it would have been less likely for the markers to be visible on the struck coins. Accordingly, it is possible that more than one sub-strain of the Unicorn Penny exists; reflecting the minor adjustments in production methods. This is entirely expected in experimental coins.
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