1861 F22 (Gouby F+d; Freeman 4+D) – missing top leaf
The “missing leaf” variety of 1861 F24 (Gouby F+f; Freeman 4+F) is well known and rare (recorded by Gouby as BP1861EA) but the occurrence of the same obverse paired with reverse d (Freeman D) is unrecorded. This obverse has all or most of the top leaf of the wreath on the queen’s head (and some of the linear circle) missing due to a partially filled die.
This variety also appears to be rare and, interestingly, the six examples found to date all appear to have been struck from varying reverse dies, given the positions of the date numerals. However, the variety does not seem to particularly interest collectors, despite its rarity.
Normal obverse F |
Obverse F – “missing” top leaf |
Example 1
Sold by Dix, Noonan & Webb in June 2018 (part lot)
Example 2
Pictures courtesy of Martin Janice
Example 3
Pictures courtesy of D R Williams
Example 4
This coin is particularly interesting in that there are further examples of the die being partially filled – there are several “missing” colon dots and incomplete letters in the legend
Pictures courtesy of D R Williams
Example 5
Sold by Tennants in May 2024 (for £50 !)
Example 6
Unsold by Hosker Haynes in April 2024