Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 27 13 Jan 2019
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British Coins, George V, halfcrown, 1911: lead impression from the obverse matrix of 28 February, 1911, before hardening for use, the coinage bust l., with full legend, on a wide (45.63mm.) and thick (5.54mm.) planchet, extremely fine, some little dullness to metal
*ex Colin Mackennal Kraay Collection and Baldwin's vault
'Before hardening this matrix was worked on to reduce the strong muscle at the back of the King's neck. The lead impressions (lots 166 and 167) were taken before the matrix was finished and it would seem from their being numbered [separately] that they may have been taken at different stages in the alteration of the neck. There is some indication of this in the dissimilar way the two impressions have been turned, and it may also be significant that the engraving records state explicitly that the alteration to the halfcrown was intended to serve as a pattern for other denominations. Two punches from the altered matrix were finished on 10 March 1911.'
($650-850)
*ex Colin Mackennal Kraay Collection and Baldwin's vault
'Before hardening this matrix was worked on to reduce the strong muscle at the back of the King's neck. The lead impressions (lots 166 and 167) were taken before the matrix was finished and it would seem from their being numbered [separately] that they may have been taken at different stages in the alteration of the neck. There is some indication of this in the dissimilar way the two impressions have been turned, and it may also be significant that the engraving records state explicitly that the alteration to the halfcrown was intended to serve as a pattern for other denominations. Two punches from the altered matrix were finished on 10 March 1911.'
($650-850)