Victoria (1837-1901), Young Head, Penny, 1874h, dies Kj, ‘specimen’, aged portrait, small date, edge plain, 9.30g/12h (Gouby D; cf. Freeman 74; Bamford 172; Adams –; cf. BMC 1698). Trifling obverse rim nick at 3 o’clock, otherwise brilliant and virtually as struck, attractive dark patina, rare £300-400

Provenance: Bt J. Welsh January 2000.

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)