The New York Sale
Auction 49 15 Jan 2020
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Great Britain
George V (1910-36), 0.500 Silver Matt Proof Threepence, 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 F.D. IND: IMP:, Rev. struck en medaille, oak wreath with three acorns, tiny G at centre for engraver Kruger Gray, date at bottom, denomination around top (Bull 3947 R6; ESC 2141A; Davies 1951; S.4042; KM.831). Toned practically as struck, has been graded and slabbed by NGC as PF65 Matte; of the highest rarity with only one other example known to us in private hands. Value $4,000 - UP
NGC certification 4377124-006. The legend on obverse translates as "George the Fifth by the grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India." 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. Bertram Mackennal (1863-1931) was the Australian engraver (later knighted) responsible for the obverse design. George Kruger Gray (1880-1943) was responsible for designing and engraving all the reverse designs.
George V (1910-36), 0.500 Silver Matt Proof Threepence, 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 F.D. IND: IMP:, Rev. struck en medaille, oak wreath with three acorns, tiny G at centre for engraver Kruger Gray, date at bottom, denomination around top (Bull 3947 R6; ESC 2141A; Davies 1951; S.4042; KM.831). Toned practically as struck, has been graded and slabbed by NGC as PF65 Matte; of the highest rarity with only one other example known to us in private hands. Value $4,000 - UP
NGC certification 4377124-006. The legend on obverse translates as "George the Fifth by the grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India." 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. Bertram Mackennal (1863-1931) was the Australian engraver (later knighted) responsible for the obverse design. George Kruger Gray (1880-1943) was responsible for designing and engraving all the reverse designs.