1972 Reverse 5cent
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Brought to attention by W. Roberts

High and Low Design

1972 is a scarce date to find in your change, 8.25 million mintage and retailing around $30 Unc. (2006)

The Echidna design on the 1972 5cent has two different positions on the dies. The left is higher than the right. The design themselves are the same size, but can give the impression of being a small and large design, similar to the 1984 and 1986 coins.

A possible explanation for this - as the designs are of the same size, a different positioning has ocurred during the die making process, whether machining or hubbing. The difference being approimately 0.25mm. Measurements were taken from the inside edge of the rim to the base of the D in SD at the K6 position, and from the inside edge of the rim to the top of the vertical spine following a line up the centre of the Echidna's snout at the K12 position.

Happy Hunting