Watch List notes:

New Zealand, George V, proof 'Waitangi' crown, 1935, crowned bust l., rev. two figures shaking hands beneath the British crown (KM.6), in plastic holder, graded by PCGS as Proof 64 with a rich silvery grey tone, rare The accord illustrated on the reverse of this classic coin is of course the figurative Crown of England ratifying its treaty of peace with a native chief. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed 6 February 1840 at the village of Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, established British law among the tribal Maori and throughout New Zealand. On that date, it has been recorded, the treaty was signed by 43 Northland Chiefs, and the remainder of some 500 Maori leaders signed it as it was carted around the country over the following eight months. Some chiefs were hesitant, yet they saw that the treaty guaranteed all inhabitants that the indigenous people would retain much in the way of sovereignty over their disparate lands, giving them the assurance that the ancient ways of their culture could continue uninterrupted. Just short of a full century later, this commemorative crown was created as part of a silver set on which images of native culture were shown on the reverses of the four smaller denominations in the set. Only the crown displays the two parties to the treaty, confirming their agreement by clasping hands. The Maori chief wears traditional dress and holds in his left hand a long-shafted spear. The 'British Crown' is represented by a uniformed naval officer with his left hand holding a sheathed sword. 'Strength with peace' is clearly the motif, with a large crown shielding the agreement and its parties. The treaty itself is one of New Zealand's most important historical documents. Waitangi Day has become the nation's national holiday, still celebrated with public events every year on 6 February at the spot where the treaty was made law. Probably taken from an original set, this delightful crown had a mintage of just 468 proof pieces, most of them included in the 364 full sets sold in 1935. The coin has not changed dramatically in value for some years, giving it an added appeal.

Estimate: £3000-3500