The Patina Collection

Lot 2310    Session 8 (2.30pm Thursday)    The Patina Collection

Estimate $1,200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $660

AUSTRALIA, Edward VIII, unofficial pattern crown, dated 1937, bare head bust left, colonial legend obverse, by Donald R. Golder, proofs in 925 silver, copper and aluminium bronze. FDC. (120)

The Australian crown was the nation's largest circulating coin, although its appearance was for a short-lived two year period from 1937-38. It was considered an 'experimental' coin by the Federal Treasurer and it was intended that the first crowns would be struck in Australia in 1937 to commemorate the accession of King Edward VIII. Provision for the production of such a large coin was never accounted for in the original 1909 Coinage Act and parliament was required to pass a special amendment to the Act to legalise the striking of them. Soon after the provision by Parliament, Edward VIII abdicated causing confusion in Britain and the colonies. Nevertheless, plans for production of the Crown pieces in Australia was sufficently advanced to ensure that the issue would proceed, and would serve to celebrate the coronation of Edward's brother the Duke of York as King George VI. Struck at the Melbourne Mint, the presses struggled with the task of striking the large pieces. Approximately one million crowns were struck in 1937 bearing Paget's bare headed likeness of George VI. In the following year the unpopularity of the issue saw a total mintage of only 101,600 pieces. The private patterns are intended to bear a resemblance to the design which could have been adopted for the currency of Edward VIII. Total mintage 675 sets.