THE BLUNDERS OF THE MINT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1628, 1 September 1887, Page 3

THE BLUNDERS OF THE MINT.

Our new coins, it is no exaggeration to say, are an artistic failure, while they lack the useful qualification of declaring their own value. In point of utility therefore, they will be found wanting; and though the Chancellor of the Exchequer says he has received no complaints, confusion is spreading. We have heard of several instances of tradespeople flatly refusing to take the new money, which ia in itself a commendation of its appearance. If the sixpence gets into the hands of any persons ingenious enough to gild them they may prove very dangerous coins. Another trap is suggested by the similarity of the four shilling piece to the crown; and it will be profitable to remember that St. George' and the Dragon continues to be the distinguishing mark of the latter. _ la every respect we look to, design, workmanship, finish or usefulness, the new money shows a falling off. Cheap processes are understood to have had much to do with the f of the dies being engraved by hand as of old. The laugh raised in Parliament over the crown toppling from the Queen's head will be echoed through the land ; and it is, to say the least, extraordinary that the year which has witnessed a thorough reform in the direction of rendering the value of every postal stamp clear and distinct should have brought about the opposite result with our coinage. No numismatic knowledge surely is needed to decide every piece of money should bear, not only the image and superscription of the Sovereign upon it, but also its own worth. liondon paper. .