Small "9's" (with "Dot")

The Small "99" variety is very difficult to identify because it appears to be so much like its Large "99" companions, or at least until they are compared side by side. To further add to this identity problem, this variety seems to have been very weakly struck on the Reverse side, resulting in the rapid loss of its legend through extensive circulation. As a result, it is extremely difficult to find examples which still exhibit enough fine details to be studied! Regardless of these problems, there are still a few things which can be examined that might help to identify this variety. Perhaps the most logical place to start would be with the two "9's". The Small "9", in this case, has a much smaller eye and exhibits very little open space within the digit as compared to the Large "99" varieties. Also, the tail comes very close to its body, almost touching it, whereas with the Large "9", the gap is more noticeable between the end of the tail and the upper part of the numeral. In addition, the second "9" is tilted a little to the left of its vertical axis and the Right Leg of the "T", appears to be slightly shorter than either of the Large "99" varieties. These points will help to identify this variety but it will still be difficult, particularly on the more heavily worn coins. Most of the varieties from the other years, can be easily recognized because they often display other prominent features which can also be used to help with the identification of a specific variety. In this case, it is also true because this particular Small "99" variation, has a tiny "Dot" which can be found on the Obverse of these coins, between the Letters "N" and "D" (near the Bottom) in the word "NEWFOUNDLAND"!