NEW COINAGE DELUSIONS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 116, 9 February 1929, Page 24

NEW COINAGE DELUSIONS

THE HALF-CROWN AND A THEATRE STAR

How the Deputy Master and Comptroller of the Royal Mint acted as Father Christmas last year in an endeavour to provide sets of the new coinage for Christmas presents is told in the, annual report of the Mint just issued.

Preparations had been made' for the issue of specimen sets for collectors of the new coinage in cases, when the proclamation was issued on December I. “In addition, the approach of Christmas, with its recurrent problem of the selection of seasonable gifts at moderate prices, was markedly evident; and I am happy to think that our sets of coins relieved many a busy citizen.on this occasion from his usual frantic and eleventh-hour scramble round the shops. “I was particularly touched by some correspondents, who begged me to play the part of Father. Christmas himself, and suggested how greatly the value of these gifts would be enhanced if Mary or Tommy could receive with their parcel of coins an autograph letter from the Money .Maker himself. ■ I need hardly say that these special re quests'- were punctiliously complied, with, and with all the pleasure in the world.” The .actual number of these sets sold was 9492. ' The report refers to criticisms of the new coinage, and says: “Perhaps the most remarkable of the rumours has been associated with the half-crown. On this piece there appear on each side of thd-shield the initial letter of His Majesty’s name, as the Royal Proclamation states, “in duplicate and interlaced.’ Popular opinion, unfamiliar with the similar treatment of Royal initials on earlier coins, both British and foreign, and especally on the beautful silver pieces of Charles 11, has been puzzled by the presence of two “G’s,’ and has apparently made up its mind that the letters are an error for .‘G.R.’ “The suggestion that the designer, absorbed in recollections of musical comedy, had inadvertently placed on the. design, the initials of a famous theatrical 'star, probably emanated from a frivolous mind. But certainly the belief is persistent and apparently widespread that the linked'‘G’s’ are a mistake on the part of the Mint.

“It seems absurd to have to deny that there Is any truth in this rumour, and when it is remembered that not only descriptions but illustrations of the new coins have been broadcast throughout the Press for months, it Is amazing that such ideas can obtain credence. It is not unlikely that the new half-crown myth will joju rank with its sisters, the legends of the 1864 penny, and the Queen Anne farthing, and that specimens of these coins will be offered to us at fantastic prices.”. _______