George V 1927 matt Proof Wreath Crown PF67

George V (1910-36), 0.500 silver Matt Proof Wreath Type Crown, 1927, struck from sand-blasted dies, bare head left, BM raised on truncation for engraver Bertram Mackennal, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX rev. struck en medaille, Imperial crown, date above, emblematic wreath surrounding of roses, shamrocks and thistles, small K.G. to right of lowest rose for engraver Kruger Gray, denomination in words at bottom, Latin legend surrounding, .FID. .DEF. .IND. .IMP. edge milled (Linecar & Stone 37; Bull 3632 R7; ESC 367A; Davies 1630; S.4036). Toned in mint state, housed in NGC slab as PF67 Matte, of the highest rarity.

NGC certification 3905426-006

The matt proof finish to what are usually brilliant proof coins was used especially at the Royal Mint for photographic purposes, from around the mid-1920's until as late as the mid 1970's. As flash photography was used to illustrate promotional material, the brilliant proofs caused too much reflection in the resulting imaging at this period of time, to be acceptable and it was much easier to literally strike one or two examples with a satin matt finish, to not reflect the flash bulb in those days before digital imaging was possible. For 1927 we are only aware of two examples in existence of the matt finish crown.

The Wreath Crown design by Kruger Gray was much admired and the type design continued in succeeding years at the request of the Bank of England who liked to stock them at Christmas time to present to good clients, hence why the mintages were always quite small for the normal currency pieces. Bertram Mackennal (later knighted) was the Australian engraver responsible for the obverse design. The legends translate as "George the Fifth by the grace of God, King of all the Britains" on the obverse and on the reverse "Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India."

Provenance:

Ex Glendining, 4^th April 1966, lot 167 when sold as part of a complete set.