Illustrated Specimen Details: 8 Doubles (Guernsey)
Example Specimen: 8 doubles, 1956 (Bailiwick of Guernsey)
Design & Symbolism: This bronze 8 doubles coin (the equivalent of one penny) features three Guernsey lilies on the obverse. Look closely for the microsymbol "PV", the mark of engraver Paul Vincze, a famous Hungarian-born sculptor. The reverse displays the Coat of Arms of Guernsey: a red shield with three British lions topped by a golden sprout. The Latin inscription reads S'BALLIVIE INSVLE DE GERNEREVE (Bailiwick of the Island of Guernsey).
Production Details: Struck at the Royal Mint in London with a mintage of 500,000 pieces.
Denomination: 8 doubles
Date: 1956
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 9.7 g | Diameter: 31 mm
Mint: Royal Mint (London)
Estimated value: 1.2$
DENOMINATION GUIDE — WHERE & WHEN (coins catalog: by names & emitents)
- BAILIWICK OF GUERNSEY (1830-1966): 1 double = 1/8 penny = 1/1920 pound.
About the name of the coin double: First introduced in 1830, the Guernsey double coin was named after the old French coin "double denier". Interestingly, while the name suggests a value of two, the actual value of this new coin was equal to the French liard, which was worth three deniers.
History and Context of the Double
The double was a small copper and later bronze coin denomination used in the Bailiwick of Guernsey during the 19th and 20th centuries. It represents a unique local variation of the traditional British pre-decimal monetary system.
The Monetary System of Guernsey
Guernsey maintained its own coinage for over a century (1830-1966). The system was built on the following ratios:
- 8 doubles = 1 penny.
- 1 double = 1/1920 pound.
This extremely low-value denomination was practical for daily transactions and small market purchases on the island.
Design and Physical Evolution
Early issues were struck in copper, but later versions, like the 1956 specimen, were made of bronze. The coins typically featured local heraldic symbols, such as the Guernsey coat of arms, which shares roots with the emblems of Normandy, England, and Jersey. The presence of the "Guernsey Lily" (Nerine sarniensis) on later issues further emphasized the island's distinct botanical identity.
Numismatic Notes
Guernsey doubles are highly popular among collectors of British and Channel Islands coinage. Because they circulated extensively, copper issues from the 19th century are often found heavily worn. However, the bronze issues from the mid-20th century, such as those designed by Paul Vincze, are easier to find in better condition and are a staple of world coin collections.
Key Point
The double was a unique Guernsey fractional copper denomination equal to 1/8 penny, serving as a symbol of the island’s semi-independent monetary tradition within the British pound sterling system.