Possible variation in reeding - 1c South Africa 1989

Just found this…

There appears to be 75 grooves on the bottom coin (top photo) and between 78-81 grooves on the top coin (clearly, more difficult to count as they're shallower - I've counted them 6 times and only had the same number twice - 78 & 80).  Obviously, there is a difference in the type of groove too.  Maybe someone else has this variation?

Very intresting, I go to check my 1cents immediately. I got about 230 pcs…

Wear and tear on the face of the coins isn't so different to warrant any concerns that the edge has simply worn away.  If it had, the top coin would have had to be noticeably larger to start with, whereas they appear now to be pretty much identical in size.  It would be interesting though to get an accurate measurement across the face of the coin ‘inside’ the rim, if someone can oblige.

Need to take a picture like this where it's easy to count.  Maybe @Sjoelund has both varieties?

No, he only has one from 1989, but also one from 1988! Obviously the 1989 has both the 1989 (fine reeding) and the 1988 (coarse reeding) edges? The 1989 was the last of the type, so I couldn't compare to a 1990! I'll let you count

@Pcoetzee5 do you have the 1989 with coarse reeding? If yes, let's trade again, since mine is with fine reeding, do you have a catalog explaining the reeds of the 1989 coin?

I counted like this, quick & dirty!

It's clear to me, that we don't talk about the same variant at all😁

Sjoelund

I counted like this, quick & dirty!

 

It's clear to me, that we don't talk about the same variant at all😁

I counted slow and clean:

And it's clear to me that you are right about not the same variant.

Or maybe not. From the OP's picture:

So 78-81 on the top doesn't make sense for 75 on the bottom (ratio 80/75 = 1.07). Should be more like 75 X 1.88 = 141.  Your ratio 150/76 = 1.97. My ratio 148/77 = 1.92.

Sjoelund

No, he only has one from 1989, but also one from 1988! Obviously the 1989 has both the 1989 (fine reeding) and the 1988 (coarse reeding) edges? The 1989 was the last of the type, so I couldn't compare to a 1990! I'll let you count

@Pcoetzee5 do you have the 1989 with coarse reeding? If yes, let's trade again, since mine is with fine reeding, do you have a catalog explaining the reeds of the 1989 coin?

Hi Ole

I will take the time and check mine. I have several, keep you informed. 

Philip 

With the top coin, it seems I've been jumping one groove each time I count assuming that there is a space between.  Furthermore, some of the grooves on my example are pretty faint, so plenty of room for error.  As for the bottom coin, 75,76,77 - seems to be about right.  Anyone want to make a call on which one is correct?

rsirian1

Need to take a picture like this where it's easy to count.  Maybe @Sjoelund has both varieties?

 

 

           

That's a nifty little trick !!!  I'll have to buy me a torch next time I'm at the shops. 

LDC63

With the top coin, it seems I've been jumping one groove each time I count assuming that there is a space between.  Furthermore, some of the grooves on my example are pretty faint.  As for the bottom coin, 75,76,77 - seems to be about right.  Anyone want to make a call on which one is correct?

77+/- 1  

LDC63

rsirian1

Need to take a picture like this where it's easy to count.  Maybe @Sjoelund has both varieties?            

That's a nifty little trick !!!  I'll have to buy me a torch next time I'm at the shops. 

Credit where credit is due. Ole @Sjoelund taught and showed me that. He invented it.

I checked a lot of them, but to me they look all the same, coarse.
Actually we are talking about 2 different edges from 1989 right, or did I understand it wrong?

yvon

I checked a lot of them, but to me they look all the same, coarse.
Actually we are talking about 2 different edges from 1989 right, or did I understand it wrong?

Yes as stated in the first post.  Waiting for a 1989 coarse reeding to be absolutely sure.

I had never expected a variant in the 1989, last of the series! We're having fun, aren't we?

According to the coin page N#1794 the entire type should be coarse reeding.

Not the most scientific but we now know which is the variant.

Sjoelund

I had never expected a variant in the 1989, last of the series! We're having fun, aren't we?

YES

 My 1989 is coarse reeding. Love this stuff. Let me know if you need image.

I think we're almost done. The OP has a coarse reeding coin from 1989 and Ole has a fine reeding from 1989.  The coin page as of now says all years are coarse reeding. At least one year (1989) is an exception.  What would be nice is a picture like this but with a 1989 coin.

I will endeavour to get a pickie taken ASAP.  Just need to buy an appropriate torch.  

However, I need to attend my daughter's graduation this week first (Loughborough Uni. 2:1 Design BA Hons).🧑‍🎓😁🎉