The 9 in the 1949 hoof-over 9 is actually a triple punch 9/9/9...In later die states there is the start of a die crack between the 4 and the 9. The hoof over is actually a die chip that deveops after the die has been used for a while.

I cannot get the pictures to display but I strongly suspect that what you are seeing are die clash marks in the King's ear. That are quite common in this vintage of the George VI 50c coins.

I am still looking for this particular repunch. Doesn't look like it is available in the GTA.
Rick, you were going to show it to Ken Potter.... any feedback?

I have never seen a 1937 die crack hoof though date. The only thing you might find is a die clash through the crown.

Hi Bill.....now that I have updated to an IPad, I can input to this website.
anybody that is interested in George VI 50 cent varieties should acquire Charltons 68th edition for 2014. The Variety section in the back covers these coins in some detail.

Since the last two date digits were punched into each separate die for the 1941 through 1949 50 cents, there are as many different punch spacing varieties as there are reverse dies. Mintage figures indicate that there were thirty reverse dies used in 1946 so there are thirty variations of the 4 and ...