Three separate arguments are presented which completely reject the hypothesis that only
twelve pearls were included in the original design of the Jubilee Head gold half sovereign
necklace. Examination of the entire set of sixteen redesigned coin denominations shows that on
each and every one a string of pearls runs up to the edge of the neck, and then terminates with
a final pearl positioned mainly over the empty field. This final pearl was obviously intended to
visually facilitate linking between the hanging pendant and the necklace. There is absolutely no
possibility that the final pearl found on essentially all half sovereigns struck at three different
mints over a seven year period was caused by a random die flaw or striking problem, since
quality control inspectors would never tolerate such an obvious and persistent defect. A
thirteen pearl necklace is undoubtedly the normal configuration for the Jubilee Head half
sovereign, while a twelve pearl necklace is the extremely rare anomaly.
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