As I continue to catalogue my collection, I find myself returning to my numismatic roots. Like many, I started collecting as a child, grabbing whatever interesting shapes and dates I could find. Over time, my focus narrowed, but I have always retained a soft spot for the British Penny.

This specific example holds a special place in my “Type Set” because it bridges two of my interests: the Victorian series and the industrial heritage of the Heaton Mint in Birmingham (the city where I grew up).

The Historical Context: Help from Birmingham

By the 1870s, the Royal Mint at Tower Hill was struggling to keep up with the demand for bronze coinage. To alleviate the pressure, they outsourced production to Ralph Heaton & Sons (The Mint, Birmingham).

Heaton struck pennies for the UK domestic market in 1874, 1875, 1876, 1881, and 1882. For a collector, spotting these requires a keen eye: you have to look for the tiny letter “H” hidden beneath the date.

The Coin: 1874-H “Bun Head” Penny

  • Denomination: One Penny (1d)
  • Monarch: Victoria (Young Head / Bun Head)
  • Year: 1874
  • Mint: Heaton, Birmingham (marked ‘H’)
  • Reference: Spink 3955

The Variety:
If you look at the reverse, directly under the date “1874”, you will see a small, distinct “H”. This confirms it was struck in Birmingham, not London.

Condition & Grading

Unlike the pristine 1860 I posted previously, this coin has lived a life. In numismatics, we often chase perfection, but there is a charm to a coin that has clearly done its job.

  • Obverse: The portrait of the Queen shows significant wear. The intricate plaits of the “Bun” hair style have merged into a smoother profile, and the laurel wreath is worn flat, though the outline remains.
  • Reverse: Britannia is visible, though the shield details (the Union Jack lines) have been worn away by decades of thumbs and pockets. The date and the crucial “H” mintmark remain bold and legible.
  • Surface: The coin has a lighter, brassy tone, typical of bronze that has seen heavy circulation. There are numerous contact marks and some bruising to the rim, consistent with a coin that was used in commerce for many years.

Grade: Fine (F)
In the US grading market, this would likely be graded as F 12 or F 15.

The Verdict

While this coin may not be “Uncirculated”, it is a vital part of the collection history. It represents the industrial capacity of Birmingham assisting the Crown. Finding a Heaton penny where the “H” is still clear and distinct is always a small victory for the collector. It is an honest, hardworking coin.

Further Reading & Data: