News from Spink

Exceptional Bronze Proof Pennies, Rarely Available.

Among the rarest of the British bronze Penny series, 1860-1967, are specimens struck as Proofs. A selection of exceptional examples of these rare Proof Pennies will be sold at Spink on 28th November, including

1860, 1*+B. 2-5 known.
Lot 306, est. £1200-£1500

The 1860 Proof (Freeman 8C). An exceptional example of this extremely rare type and issue, with between two and five specimens known. Graded ‘as struck and attractively toned.’

1874H, 7+H. 6-15 known.
Lot 324, est. £700-£900

The 1874 H Proof (Freeman74). Between 6 and 15 examples now thought to exist of this, the first Proof from the Birmingham Heaton mint. Graded as with ‘minor cabinet friction and light surface marks, uneven lustre, otherwise virtually as struck.’ Will be sold with a letter from C Wilson Peck to the owner. Dated 3 May 1963 this indicates that at the time he wrote this was only the fourth specimen known to him;
'Many thanks for your letter and the 1874H proof 1d. I return it herewith. Your coin is exactly as I expected it to be. It is, I think, the fourth that I have actually examined & is identical, even in tone, with mine. I think I mentioned that this particular proof is not quite, shall we say, so 'proofy' as most of the others in this series. I wonder if the fact that it was the first of the Birmingham proofs to be issued has anything to do with it? It certainly shows the characteristic flat mirror-like field, although this is not so obvious on either your piece or mine, because both pieces have a slight tacky 'skin' on their surfaces. I think you will know what I mean by this; it is peculiar to copper & bronze. Anyway - my verdict, for what it is worth, is that your piece is a proof.'

  1881*+J, 1880 type. 2-5 known.
Lot 328, est. £2000-£2500

The 1881 Proof (Freeman 104). An exceptionally rare type with between 2 and 5 examples known. A transitional issue using the dies type of 1880 but with the 1881 date and only struck as a bronzed Proof. Examples of this type only come to market very occasionally. Graded as having ‘only the lightest cabinet friction, a streaky tone on the obverse, but otherwise as struck with extensive lustre and residual brilliance.’  

1947, 2-5 known
Lot 354, est. £400-£500

The 1947 Proof (Freeman 235A). Between two and five examples known, making this type among of the rarest British Pennies of the twentieth century. Graded as ‘lightly toned in places on the obverse, some minor spotting but otherwise as struck.’

About Spink
Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and holds over 35 auctions a year around the globe.  In June 2006 Spink shattered the world record for a British Coin sold at auction with the sale of the Double Leopard Gold Coin for a staggering £460,000.

Public Enquiries:  020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com or info@spink.com
Images:  Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009