Guernsey 8 Doubles (1938)
Country of Origin: Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)
Year of Issue: 1938
Denomination: 8 Doubles (equivalent to 1 British Penny)
Composition: Bronze (95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc)
Brief Description
A bronze coin featuring the coat of arms of Guernsey on the obverse and the denomination within a laurel wreath on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The 'Double' was a currency unit unique to Guernsey, derived from the French 'denier'. 8 doubles equaled one penny. This 1938 issue was minted just before the German occupation of the Channel Islands (1940-1945).
Estimated Value
$1-$3 circulated, $15-$40 in Mint State (MS-60+)
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges while wearing gloves; store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent oxidation (patina change). Avoid cleaning, as it destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
H (Heaton Mint, Birmingham, England)
Mintage & Rarity
Approx. 120,000; relatively scarce but not a 'key date' in circulated grades.
Weight & Diameter
9.45g, 30.6mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated. The coin shows very light high-point wear but retains sharp details in the lion manes and laurel leaves.
Obverse (Front)
The arms of Guernsey (three lions passant guardant in a shield surmounted by a sprig of laurel) with the legend 'GUERNESEY' above, all within a beaded border.
Reverse (Back)
The denomination '8 DOUBLES' and the date '1938' centered within a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon. The 'H' mint mark is located below the ribbon bow.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Luster (original orange mint bloom), surface marks, and 'H' mint mark clarity; uncirculated specimens with original red color command the highest premiums.
Similar Coins
Earlier 19th-century 8 Doubles (which have different heraldry) and later 1945-1949 issues which look very similar but have different dates.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the 'H' mint mark and ensure the weight is close to 9.4g. Counterfeits are rare for this specific date, but cast copies will show pit marks or soft details.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties are widely recognized for the 1938 H issue; focus is primarily on color (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown).
Created At: 2026-05-05T18:41:35.013626