Guernsey 8 Doubles (1938)

Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency) · 1938

A bronze coin featuring the coat of arms of Guernsey on the obverse and the denomination within a laurel wreath on the reverse.

Country: Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)
Year: 1938
Denomination: 8 Doubles (equivalent to 1 British Penny)
Metal: Bronze (95.5% copper, 3% tin, 1.5% zinc)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 5, 2026More bailiwick of guernsey (british crown dependency) coins →

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Overview

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).

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.

Estimated value

$1-$3 circulated, $15-$40 in Mint State (MS-60+)

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.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated. The coin shows very light high-point wear but retains sharp details in the lion manes and laurel leaves.

Mintage & rarity

Approx. 120,000; relatively scarce but not a 'key date' in circulated grades.

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).

Similar coins

Earlier 19th-century 8 Doubles (which have different heraldry) and later 1945-1949 issues which look very similar but have different dates.

Care & preservation

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.

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