1876 H Newfoundland 20 Cents

One of the most notable features can be found on the Obverse Lettering of some of these coins, which have been extensively Modified. Nearly every Letter in the word "NEWFOUNDLAND", clearly displays noticeable signs of Re-engraving which can easily be seen without the use of any magnification! Naturally, this invokes the question, "Why"? These Alterations would suggest that there was a need to improve the quality of the coins produced from these dies but what was the motivating factor? This would imply that there had already been a number of coins minted which did not meet the expectations for the current production! If this was the case, then there had to be some examples that were produced prior to these Modifications!

Initially, all of the examples that have been examined, were clearly produced from these modified dies and it was beginning to appear that the existence of any further varieties would be unlikely! The 1876 H is already a scarce date, which makes finding examples more difficult to begin with, however, eventually a second and then a third variety were discovered!

The first of these new discoveries had very few alterations made to the Lettering in the word "NEWFOUNDLAND", but it did have a couple of significant differences that were worth noting. The "6" in the date, had been overpunched by a smaller numeral and also the Mint Mark "H" was repositioned slightly to the Right of the position where it would normally be found on the other varieties!

The last variety to be identified is nearly identical to the original, with its heavily modified Obverse Lettering, but the positioning of the "7" is different, with it being located closer to the "8" than it is with either of its companions. It is actually a Sub-variety to the original variation.

All of of these varieties have been the results of extensively Modified dies but this would seem to suggest that there might still be at least one more variation left, to be discovered! It is quite possible that there may have been some coins which were originally struck from an unaltered die!!

The two major variations listed in this catalogue, have so many obvious differences, that it is relatively easy to identify them, even on the heavily circulated coins!