Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens and Banknotes

New Zealand, George VI, Royal Mint Pattern, for the Royal Visit silver Crown of 1949, by Paget, head of George VI to l., reverse model in centre, edge plain, 39mm, 31 gms (cf Noble Numismatics sale 46, 16-17, November, 1994, lot 760). A brilliant and exceptionally well struck frosted proof in virtually flawless state, unusual streaky but pleasing toning, excessively rare (£600-800)

The description of this great rarity in the Noble sale was as follows “George VI, Proof or Pattern for the Royal Visit Crown of 1949, in silver, plain edge, reverse model across plain field, (30.65 gms, 38.5mm) by Hugh Paget. A brilliant and frosted proof, beautifully struck possibly from the master die, FDC and possibly unique.” The coin sold for Australian $4,100 against an estimate of $2,500.

That this coin is for New Zealand is incontestable. Although some other Commonwealth countries, such as Southern Rhodesia and Mauritius, used the title ‘King Emperor’, these employed the Percy Metcalf rather than the Paget head and in any event there is no evidence whatsoever crown-size coins were planned at this time for these territories.

Clearly, the decision not to proceed with this obverse must be associated with the the Independence of India in 1947, and the subsequent modifications to the obverse legends of all British and British Commonwealth coins.