George V 1924 gold proof pattern Sixpence, trial number 2, PCGS PR64

George V (1910-36), Sixpence dated 1924, Trial strike in gold, obverse with number 2 officially stamped before the King's face, the Reverse with the number 2 officially scratched in front of the lion, bare head left, raised B.M. for Bertram Mackennal, toothed outer border, legend surrounds GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX, rev. inner border enclosing a lion passant gardant surmounting crown, date either side, weight 3.06g (W&R 430 R6; Bull 3891 R6; S.4024). Three examples known, each with the respective numbers stamped or scratched on the obverse and reverse, graded by PCGS as PR64, a true numismatic rarity and key to any off-metal pattern or trial strike connoisseurs.

PCGS Certification 482785.64/48428644

One of three trial Sixpences struck in gold which are all individually numbered and of varying weights. Wilson and Rasmussen note that the example number 1 weighs 2.89g, this coin number 2 weighs 3.05g and number 3 is the heaviest at 3.98g. A fourth gold trial piece using the silver Threepence dies numbered 4 is unique and weighs 2.49g.

These gold trials all first emerged for sale in 1998 from Dolphin Coins and soon found their way to Spink via Grantham Coins, the verbal provenance being given that all were from the now defunct South Africa Mint Museum the numismatic holdings of which Dolphin Coins had purchased including two specimen satin finish proof sets of 1924 coinage which contained pennies of 1922 with 1927 reverse types, all of extreme rarity.

Though the exact reason for these trial pieces is still not known it could perhaps be towards a then colonial gold coinage in Africa? There is an article by Graham Dyer in the Spink Numismatic Circular of September 1984 detailing the gold strikings of George V Florins dated 1922 of which there are five known in varying gold carat and alloys, which may have a connection to the Egyptian Government proposing a gold coinage, as well as four examples of gold Halfcrowns all dated 1927 which have a connection to a proposed coinage for the Romanian Government from that year.

They remain an enigma and were obviously produced with care to exacting standards though a specific gravity has not been possible to conduct as the coin is housed in a protective slab.

The Latin legends translates on obverse as "George the Fifth by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith."

Provenance:

Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, November 1998, item 6919.

Ex-Alfred Bole Collection, DNW, Monday 26^th September 2011, lot 1501