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Sovereign Rarities Ltd
Auction 5  15 Mar 2022
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Lot 103

Starting price: 2000 GBP
Price realized: 2600 GBP
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PF64 Matte | George V (1910-36), 0.500 silver matt proof Sixpence, 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 six acorns, tiny K G at centre for engraver Kruger Gray, date at bottom, denomination around top (Bull 3899 R6; ESC 1816A; Davies 1891; S.4040). Toned practically as struck, graded by NGC as PF64 Matte; of the highest rarity with only two other examples known to us in private hands.

NGC Certification 3926337-002

The legend on obverse translates as "George the Fifth by the grace of God, King of all the Britains, 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.

(£2,500-£3,000)
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