2 Pence 1983 - Mule - New Pence
By Coinsanduk | Tuesday, 6 February 2024
The 1983 decimal 2 Pence was issued only in Royal Mint sets. Not for circulation purpose.
All 2 pence coins struck between 1971 and 1981 included the words New Pence as part of their reverse. In 1982 and in subsequent years, the words New Pence were replaced with the words Two Pence. However, in 1983, a small number of 2 pence coins were mistakenly struck with the wording New Pence on the reverse and were included in special sets intended for collectors.
The Badge of the Prince of Wales can be found on 1971 to 2008 two pence coins. It consists of a plume of ostrich feathers within a coronet, and above, the German motto ICH DIEN (I serve). The words New Pence or Two Pence are above that emblem on the reverse.
The mule can be found in uncirculated 1983 annual coin set, produced by Martini & Rossi, the Italian beverage company, known for their brand of vermouth. These sets were issued as part of a drinks promotion and contain eight uncirculated UK coins, including the 2 Pence in a fold out display booklet. A similar set was also offered by Heinz in 1983 and some of those also contain this mule Royal Mint coin.
A mule in numismatic is a coin struck with dies not intended to be used together. The mismatched die can be the anvil, the hammer or event the die. The value is based on the date of the coin, kind of mule, grade and rarity.
Here are pictures of mule coins around the world:
Find more information on mule on Canadian coins and Australian coins.
The value of a mule 2 Pence coin can go up to thousands if in near-perfect condition.
Specifications
- Diameter: 25.9 mm
- Weight: 7.12 g
- Thickness: 1.85 mm (Bronze), 2.03 mm (Copper-plated steel)
- Composition:
- Bronze (97% copper, 2.5% zinc, 0.5% tin) until September 1992
- Copper-plated steel since September 1992, except in 1998 when the 2p was made in both alloys
- Edge: Plain
- Die axis: ↑↑
British 2 Pence 1983 Price Guide and Values »
