Collection of Sixpences formed by the late Alfred Bole

Victoria (1837-1901), 1884 Pattern, unsigned [obv. after L.C. Wyon], in silver, young bust left [as on the Half-Sovereign], rev. crowned oval shields cruciform in cartouches, edge grained, 2.96g/ 12h (Davies –; ESC –; Murdoch –; Saward –; Nobleman –). Practically as struck, attractively toned, probably the only known specimen; not listed in any of the main references £1,500-2,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Collection of Sixpences formed by the late Alfred Bole.

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This intriguing piece, which would appear on the face of it to be a silver striking for a new proposed half-sovereign design, may represent a last effort by L.C. Wyon in the face of opposition from J.E. Boehm during the protracted period in the early 1880s which finally resulted in the new coinage of 1887 (Dyer and Stocker, BNJ 1984, pp.274-88)