Expert: Brad Swain - 12/28/2009

Question
Dear Brad,
We recently purchased a 1930's art deco vanity for my daughter and after tipping the furniture over a well worn copper coin with Georgivs III Rex dated 1773 dropped out.
Unfortunately it has two letters TP stamped on Georges face.  The reverse has a seated woman in a gown holding a staff.   

Can you tell me anything about this coin and whether it is truly from the 1773 period.

Answer
Hi Michael, it is either a 1773 British farthing (1/4 penny) or half penny featuring King George III (1760-1820) and on the other side is the allegorical figure of Britannia leaning on a rock with a trident and shield which symbolizes Britain's mastery of the seas and worldwide empire. The TP initials were added by someone perhaps to give to a loved one as a keepsake. Later, it probably slipped out of a drawer and wedged in the furniture somehow.
It is worth about $5 or more depending on amount of wear and collector demand.
Contemporary counterfeits are common as well being lighter and more crudely designed.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad