Victoria (1837-1901), Penny, 1881h, dies Pp, ‘specimen’ in bronze, 9.58g/12h (Gouby H; Bamford 112; Adams 282; F 108 [dies 11+M]; BMC 1724; S 3955). Brilliant mint state with proof-like fields, an exceptional specimen (£400-500)

Periodically, the Heaton mint struck carefully finished ‘specimen’ coins of varying denominations as an example of what the company could produce; in some instances they were presented as gifts to dignitaries and government officials and in other cases were part of the travelling portfolio of a Heaton sales representative (cf. Gunstone, SNC December 1977, p.545; cf. Tansley Collection, DNW 67, lot 369). Truly genuine Heaton mint proofs of this period (cf. Adams lot 268 = SNC April 2005, 2467) are exceedingly rare; most of those so catalogued in the Freeman sale were in fact ‘specimens’