Victoria (1837-1901), Smith on Decimal Currency, a set of Patterns, 1846, by Marrian & Gausby, comprising One Centum, in white metal, 10.78g/6h (BMC –; F 812b; KM. PPn28), 10 Cents, in copper, 66.82g/6h (BMC 2075; F 813; KM. PPn35), 5 Cents, in copper, 27.55g/6h (BMC 2081; F 818; KM. PPn33), 2 Cents, in copper, 10.91g/6h (BMC 2082; F 819; KM. PPn29), 1 Cent, in copper, 5.58g/6h (BMC 2086; F 823; KM. PPn27), all edges plain [5]. Last extremely fine with original colour, others very fine, the Centum with metal flaw on face and several surface marks, 10, 5 and 2 Cents all lightly cleaned in the past and the 10 Cents with surface marks on obverse, a rare and original group (£500-700)

Provenance:
Joanna Tansley Collection, DNW Auction 67, 28 September 2005, lot 371, additionally:
First and second M.J. Freeman Collection, Christie’s Auction, 23 October 1984, lots 256 and 257 [from P.C.W. Deane]
Third and fourth M.J. Freeman Collection, Christie’s Auction, 23 October 1984, lots 262 and 263 [from G. Monk].

These pieces were struck by the Birmingham diesinkers Marrian & Gausby when decimal coins were first mooted in 1846; the centum is thought to have represented a silver decimal shilling of 50 cents. Marrian & Gausby’s principal business was as manufacturers of silver and electroplated wares. The principal proprietors were Francis H. Marrian and John Baker Gausby (Hawkins pp.358-9); the pieces themselves are believed to have been executed by Francis’ elder brother, John Marrian (1796-1848)