Incused and raised W.W. on Victoria sovereigns

[n1k0s]

Hello everyone, 

I've recently found in my coin shop a Victoria backshield 1866 and I noticed that the William Wyon initials at the neck are incused. 

I've looked this up and i found some sites (including Chards) who mention this, but I was wondering if someone knows any more history around this. For example, why did the RM decide to change from incused to raised? 

For comparison, below are three photos of these backshields, showing the incused W.W. lettering in the 1866 and the raised in 1871.

thanks!

[James32]

@dicker @Orpster @modofantasma @ZRPMs @GoldDiggerDave

[Orpster]

6 minutes ago, James32 said:

@dicker @Orpster @modofantasma @ZRPMs @GoldDiggerDave

Up to 1852 they were all raised, from then till 1863 (I think) all were incuse.  After that it can be either, or both.

There are also some dates in that range that have both, mostly in the 1850's.  Similar where you get some years with WW clear and WW buried in the field.

Edited October 17, 2023 by Orpster

[GoldDiggerDave]

There are 3 types of W.W. 
 

1 incomplete aka buried 

this is where the WW are not fully struck 

2 complete W.W are fully struck and fully visible 1 and 2 are in relief 

3 incuse this tends to be on the earlier shields 

 

 

 

 

Always worth looking as there some scares date W.W types. 

[ZRPMs]

Sorry, Can't add much more than has been mentioned.

[James32]

1 minute ago, ZRPMs said:

Sorry, Can't add much more than has been mentioned.

Well thanks for stopping by I guess!

[Gruff]

3 minutes ago, James32 said:

Well thanks for stopping by I guess!

BUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNN!