Hi all A question around the variability in weight of the 1966 round 50 cent coins. I have collected a few and have found their weight to be quite variable. From 13.01g to 13.31g (my scales seems to be pretty accurate when checked with a defined standard weight) I would say the coins are in pretty good condition so I can’t imagine much wear. My initial searches have not found any references to how variable these coins were in production. Does anyone have any knowledge on this topic? Generally do coins have much variance in their weight?
A few months ago I was pondering the same question regarding pre-decimal currency. There does seem to be some variation in coin weight of a few tenths of a gram regardless of coin wear. Not sure the cause of this. I did examine each underweight coin carefully, but short of an XRF test dont know what else I would do to verify them. Just for your information, there are fake 1966 rounds available on the internet. These can be easily identified by closer examination of the coin design, in particular a lack of detail on the shield and star on the reverse and a missing kangaroo paw atop the shield.
Havent come across one so dont have a clue, tried to look it up just now and found images of modern copper 50c coins that people have rounded off with a file to sell as 1966 rounds!!
Here is some great info on variances between real and fake pre-decimals but sadly no info on 50c rounds. https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/research/new-counterfeit-kids-block-chinese-dud-coins
