Sovereign thicknesses

[paulmerton]

Rather than trusting what it says on Numista, would anyone be able to tell me empirically (using digital callipers) what the thicknesses of these coins are:

* Sovereign

* Half sovereign 

* Quarter sovereign

It would be interesting to see what variance there is across each type. Some designs from other regions could have a measurable difference in thickness depending how empty the volume below the rim is. Even a UK sovereign with a mint mark should be a miniscule amount thinner than one without a mint mark, although I'd be surprised if that would cause enough difference to be measurable.

[paulmerton]

(ultimate goal is to work out how thick the slots should be in a modern set of pocket sovereign scales)

[Spyder]

2 hours ago, paulmerton said:

(ultimate goal is to work out how thick the slots should be in a modern set of pocket sovereign scales)

My sovereign gauge was specifically  made for this reason as I know that the 1911s sovereign is very slightly wider than a regular London Mint sovereign of the same year, same with some Gillicks and I think 1925sa Half Sovereign.  I think if you stick to the original Victorian Balance scale width and slot thickness, you should be OK.  Get your hands on one, plenty for sale on eBay and I think Orpster was selling one not so long ago. 

[paulmerton]

42 minutes ago, Spyder said:

My sovereign gauge was specifically  made for this reason as I know that the 1911s sovereign is very slightly wider than a regular London Mint sovereign of the same year, same with some Gillicks and I think 1925sa Half Sovereign.  I think if you stick to the original Victorian Balance scale width and slot thickness, you should be OK.  Get your hands on one, plenty for sale on eBay and I think Orpster was selling one not so long ago. 

I have a brass Harrison one but that doesn't have a quarter sovereign slot for obvious reasons. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there on what the thickness of a UK quarter sovereign is (seems to range from <1mm to 1.10mm!)

[Spyder]

I think @JamesH might be able to help as he seem to have bought every year that has been minted of the quarters. 

[JamesH]

7 hours ago, Spyder said:

I think @JamesH might be able to help as he seem to have bought every year that has been minted of the quarters. 

Shall check and come back to you on this

[paulmerton]

16 hours ago, paulmerton said:

(ultimate goal is to work out how thick the slots should be in a modern set of pocket sovereign scales)

This is the prototype he's working on:

 

[JamesH]

@paulmerton I’ve measured 5 different years, including 2 special reverses (2012 & Memorial) and each of them measured 13.4mm diameter and 1.1mm depth. Hope this helps 👍🏼

[LawrenceChard]

18 hours ago, paulmerton said:

Rather than trusting what it says on Numista, would anyone be able to tell me empirically (using digital callipers) what the thicknesses of these coins are:

* Sovereign

* Half sovereign 

* Quarter sovereign

It would be interesting to see what variance there is across each type. Some designs from other regions could have a measurable difference in thickness depending how empty the volume below the rim is. Even a UK sovereign with a mint mark should be a miniscule amount thinner than one without a mint mark, although I'd be surprised if that would cause enough difference to be measurable.

Sounds like a good idea.

I think brass may be better, or stainless steel, mainly to reduce wear and ensure accuracy amd longevity.

😎

[LawrenceChard]

2 minutes ago, LawrenceChard said:

Sounds like a good idea.

I think brass may be better, or stainless steel, mainly to reduce wear and ensure accuracy amd longevity.

😎

I intended to post this in response to:

But they are both relevant and on a similar theme.

😎

[paulmerton]

1 minute ago, LawrenceChard said:

Sounds like a good idea.

I think brass may be better, or stainless steel, mainly to reduce wear and ensure accuracy amd longevity.

😎

I suggested he should sell you some Chards branded ones if he makes lots //thesilverforum.com/uploads/emoticons/default_biggrin.png