Unavailable Years Half Sovereign
Though generally considered an annual production, the Half Sovereign did have years in which it wasn't made. Due to political, economical or logistical reasons, coin production was reduced or ceased on these years.
First struck in 1817, the Half Sovereign was introduced as a replacement to the seven shilling piece. Despite being a lower value coin, limited mintage figures and fewer issued years make the Half Sovereigns just as sought after as the full size Sovereign.
Like Sovereigns, circulation of the Half Sovereign was affected greatly by the outbreak of World War I and production remained severely limited until 1982, with coins being released in only very select years. Since then they have been produced annually by the Royal Mint.
Specific Dates
The following are the years in which Half Sovereigns were not produced: 1840, 1854, 1868, 1888, 1917, 1919 – 1922, 1924, 1927 – 1936, 1938 – 1972, 1975 – 1976, 1978, 1981.