Patterns & Proofs

Lot 1437       Patterns & Proofs

Estimate $150,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $115,000

GEORGE V, Melbourne Mint proof penny, 1930. Sharply and squarely struck, cabinet friction on the high points of the obverse, mostly brown with traces of red, the reverse nearly fully brilliant with a small area of carbon spotting, otherwise nearly FDC and extremely rare, this specimen unpublished.

There are five others known 1. British Museum ex Melbourne Mint in 1932. 2. Museum of Victoria. 3. National Gallery of South Australia. 4. Le Souef, S.V.Hagley, Dr. Curtis Paxman and Douglas Moran Collection (this example was last auctioned by us in 1981). 5. British Museum duplicate, sold privately in May 1987 for $150,000 and bid in our Sale 50 to $190,000 ($209,000 with buyer's premium). All known specimens are toned with mostly dull obverses. This specimen has remained in an old collection for decades so its sale now is a rare opportunity for the astute collector to obtain the 'king of Australian coins'. This example has held pride of place in this important Australian collection.