The Royal Mint Records for the 1923 Issue

missing image missing image

During World War I a coin shortage had occurred, and despite the States of Jersey enactment of 1834, French coins gradually infiltrated and were accepted. The States by an act dated 24th August 1923, declared that French coinage was no longer legal tender and these French coins were recalled. Approximately 500,000 withdrawn French coins were returned to the Royal Mint and melted down for the metal used in the production of new coins for the island. Although they were struck in late 1923, the new coins did not enter into circulation until 1924. Also, a distinctive design was desired for this recoinage and a modification of the Jersey coat of arms by Mr. Kruger-Gray was adopted. Royal Mint documents show that originally the States just wanted a star added to the old style reverse. Kruger-Gray suggested two models. The rejected designed had William the Conqueror on horseback.

Because of the metal content, these new coins are typically darker than other Jersey coins.

October 31, 1922 -- The States authorize an issue of copper coins to not exceed £3000

January 29, 1923 --This act sanctioned by His Majesty in Council

May 1, 1923 -- An Initial Inquiry into remelting French coins to be remade into Jersey coins

May 4, 1923 -- An Inquiry to the Post Office for Additional French Coins

May 4, 1923 -- Foreign Bronze Coins Held by the Post Office

May 7, 1923 -- The Mint's Initial Estimate

May 7, 1923 -- The Mint's Initial Estimate (continued)

September 12, 1923 -- An Inquiry to Alter the Design

September 18, 1923 -- Royal Mint's Internal Memo with a Radical Change in Mind

September 18, 1923 -- Royal Mint's Internal Memo with a Radical Change in Mind (continued)

September 20, 1923 -- Mint Responds to States with a Radical Offer

September 20, 1923 -- Mint Responds to States with a Radical Offer (continued)

October 9, 1923 -- States' Treasurer Request a Star and a Certain Quantity of Half Pennies

October 10, 1923 -- Jersey's Response to Radical Offer

October 10, 1923 -- Mint's Verification

October 11, 1923 -- Letter to Mint from Lt. Governor

October 11, 1923 -- A Request for Star and Half Pennies

October 17, 1923 -- An Official Request for Production

October 22, 1923 -- Mint's Records 647/23

October 25, 1923 -- Kruger Gray's Horseback Suggestion

October 27, 1923 -- Jersey Request for £1400 of coins

October 30, 1923 -- An Alternative Design

October 30, 1923 -- An Alternative Design (continued)

November 6, 1923 -- Jersey Accepts a New Design

November 9, 1923 -- New Model Discussion

November 10, 1923 -- Mint Request Kruger-Gray for Models

November 12, 1923 -- Mint Returns Kruger-Gray Drawings

November 12, 1923 -- Kruger-Gray ask for Small Favor

November 16, 1923 -- Status Report

November 18, 1923 -- Design Will make for a Good Coin

November 27, 1923 -- The Die is Cast

December 21, 1923 -- A Little Matter to Take Care Of

December 21, 1923 -- Request for King's Approval

December 22, 1923 -- King's Approval

January 1, 1924 -- Coins Dispatched

January 1, 1924 -- Shipment

January 1, 1924 -- Shipment (continued)

January 3, 1924 -- Coins Arrived

January 4, 1924 Charges for Manufacture of Matrices

January 17, 1924 -- A Gift for Kruger-Gray

January 23, 1924 -- A Statement of Account

January 23, 1924 -- A Statement of Account (continued)

January 23, 1924 -- A Request for a Bill

January 25, 1924 -- The Bill Paid




Return to Part 6:  Twelve Pence to a Shilling -- George V