Project 001 – The 1834 William IV Sixpence

The investigation was conducted under the IA STUDIO Hybrid Reasoning Framework, using human analytical reasoning and structured computational modelling in conjunction with independent laboratory verification.

For details of the analytical method applied, see: Methodology – Hybrid Reasoning Framework

Overview

Project 001 investigates a severely deformed 1834 William IV sixpence originally dismissed as post-mint damage.

Through independently commissioned laboratory testing and detailed documentation, the study re-evaluates the specimen as a mint-stage striking anomaly produced during mechanised coinage.

This case establishes the baseline analytical model for subsequent IA STUDIO investigations.

Project 001 serves as the initial demonstration of the IA STUDIO Hybrid Reasoning Framework, establishing its methodological foundation for future heritage analyses.

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Laboratory Validation

Independent, non-destructive analysis incorporated:

• Brunel University London – SEM–EDX (Experimental Techniques Centre)

• University of Oxford – Optical profilometry (Materials Characterisation Service)

These analyses documented alloy consistency and surface deformation features compatible with repeated in-die striking.

All laboratory work was performed independently; IA STUDIO’s role was limited to documentation, interpretation, and correlation of results within the research framework.

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Method Summary

The investigation combined:

• High-resolution imaging and documentation

• Comparative assessment against standard 1834 sixpence types

• Digital surface study and comparative modelling (interpretive support; AI-assisted where used)

• Archival and reference checks (catalogues and published sources)

• Independent laboratory measurement (primary evidential layer)

AI-assisted tools were used only for structured comparison and interpretive modelling. Laboratory outputs (SEM–EDX and optical profilometry) remain the primary evidential foundation.

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Interpretation

The evidence supports classification as a severe mint-stage multi-strike anomaly, exhibiting characteristics consistent with retained die-cap interaction and associated strike-through / brockage phenomena.

Preserved edge milling and deformation morphology support repeated in-die striking rather than later mechanical damage.

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Context & Significance

Mint-stage anomalies of this structural complexity are exceptionally uncommon within nineteenth-century British coinage.

The findings demonstrate that even within the mature phase of steam-powered coining in the 1830s, extreme striking failures could occur under specific production conditions.

By integrating materials science, imaging technology, computational modelling, and archival study – with AI-assisted interpretive support – Project 001 establishes a transparent, evidence-based model for examining complex minting phenomena.

This case represents a documented case in numismatics demonstrating how a hybrid, human-supervised reasoning framework produced exploratory assessments that corresponded with findings later verified through independent laboratory analysis.

For context on how this case contributed to IA STUDIO’s research framework, see: About IA STUDIO

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Publication Reference

Ikraam, A. (2025).

An 1834 William IV Sixpence with a Laboratory-Confirmed Multi-Strike Mint Error from the Steam-Press Era.

British Numismatic Society – Research Blog (2025)

BNS Research Blog: Full publication (2025)

A reference copy is held in the institutional records of The Royal Mint Museum (confirmed November 2025).

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Acknowledgements

Independent laboratory analysis was commissioned from:

• Brunel University London – Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC)

• University of Oxford – Materials Characterisation Service (OMCS)

IA STUDIO gratefully acknowledges their contribution to the non-destructive scientific examination of the specimen.

This study forms the evidential foundation for IA STUDIO’s continuing research model and demonstrates how verified scientific measurement can substantiate historical interpretation.

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Status

Selected imaging panels, surface maps, and summary datasets from Project 001 are scheduled for controlled release in 2026 under IA STUDIO’s transparency-first, non-commercial access policy.

At present, IA STUDIO’s work remains focused on research and documentation. Any future custodial, exhibition, or valuation arrangements will be considered only within an evidence-based, transparency-first framework.

The methods developed in this project underpin IA STUDIO’s ongoing research framework.

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FAQ

Does IA STUDIO offer valuations or grading services?

No. IA STUDIO operates solely as a research and documentation initiative.

Can I submit an object for study?

At present, investigations are initiated internally and by invitation only.

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Terminology & Historical Context

In this study, the term “early” refers to the early industrialisation of Britain’s mechanised minting (c. 1810–1840), rather than the initial decade of steam-press use.

William IV coinage (1831–1837) therefore represents the mature phase of steam-press minting within the broader early-industrial period of coin production.

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For the official archival record and publication summary of this study, see: IA STUDIO – Official Statement No. 001

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Edition 1.1 – January 2026

This edition documents the verified analytical and interpretive record of Project 001 as consolidated in January 2026.

It formalises the case study that established how AI-assisted reasoning can be responsibly integrated with independent laboratory verification in cultural-heritage research.

Future updates will coincide with the scheduled release of supporting imaging datasets and transparency materials later in 2026.