Coin Profiles: 1953 “Shoulder Fold” Penny

Every coin is as diverse and unique as the people who made it. Every coin has its own design, and each design represents a certain era in the history of man. Mints usually switch to newer coin dies that complement the characteristics of the present society. Coins usually feature the prominent people of the time they were minted, like how Queen Elizabeth II’s side profile is featured in the 1953 coins.

With the succession of Elizabeth II, the mint switched to a new coin die to feature the queen and represent a new era of reign. The original Elizabeth II coin dies were a bit of a problem though, because the resulting coins showed a side profile of the queen seemingly wearing a strapless dress. Monarchists then demanded for the issue to be addressed, since the coin made Elizabeth II look undignified. The new-minted coins were then known as the 1953 Shoulder Fold Pennies.

These coins are the scarcer variety of Elizabeth II pennies, since in 1954 the Mint ordered a new die again which produced the No Shoulder Fold (NSF) variety. 1953 Shoulder Fold (SF) variety is distinguished by the less flared I in the DEI inscription on the coin. If the “I” looks more like a stick than a flared one, then the coin is a Shoulder Fold coin. The no flare “I” is also seen in the ELIZABETH inscription.

Another characteristic of the Shoulder Fold Coins are the two maple leaves on the other side. They are usually extremely close to the ends of the coin and the denticles. The 1953 Shoulder Fold coins are also known as “Shoulder Fold, Far Maple Leaf” whereas the No Shoulder Fold variety is known as “No Shoulder Fold, Near Maple Leaf” to collectors for easier distinction.

Since the 1953 Shoulder Fold variety was scarcer than the No Shoulder Fold variety, the value of these coins is relatively higher than the latter especially when in good condition. They are a serious collector’s must have, and coin shops seek these coins to sell to their customers.

If you are new in the coin-collecting hobby, Colonial Acres can give you loads of information about the coins you seek. Colonial Acres Coins is in the business of buying and selling rare coins. With more than a decade in business, Colonial Acres has the reputation in the coin collecting industry and you can rest assured that what you see is what you will get.