UNIFACE \YOO.nee.face\ n. a coin that is blank on one side

Usually a uniface coin is not an error, but rather a proof or trial production used to gain approval for a new design. A coin minted in this way, known in the trade as a ‘pattern’ coin, is not intended for circulation.

Needless to say, the scarcity of pattern coins can make them very valuable. The one in the picture is an extremely rare Australian 1937 uniface pattern florin, and comes from the famous collection of renowned numismatist, Jerome Remick. It sold in a 2006 auction for £48,300!

And one more thing. If you think you’ve nabbed yourself a bargain uniface from eBay, when it arrives check to see if the blank side is smooth. Because if it looks something like this…

then your word of the day is DUPED.