Sunday, January 29, 2012

“Waitangi” Proof Set 1935 Crown to Threepence

New Zealand Pre-Decimal Coins Proof Set

George V (1911-1936),

Silver 50% - Crown, Half Crown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence and Threepence


“Waitangi” Proof Set 1935, Crown through to Threepence ( Ref KM PS-3).

A lovely set in perfect mint state, rare.

Current Value of between $6000-$8000 Au$

“Waitangi” Proof Set 1935 Crown to Threepence

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Uniform Coinage of India - Sterling Silver Coins



Prior to 1835 A.D., the East India Company issued coins in Bengal Presidency, Bombay Presidency and Madras Presidency. These coins were circulated in local area for use in the local trade.

For any particular value, the coins circulated in different areas of India were of different weight, fineness and size. In order to remove this chaotic condition, East India Company decided to introduce a uniform coinage in the territories of the company.

All the details of the new coinage were laid down by Act XVIII of 1835. As per this act the weight of the rupee coin was standardized at 180 grains troy (1 Tola) and its fineness at 11/12 (i.e. 165 grains of pure silver and 15 grains of alloy). The rupee coin would bear the effigy of the then king of United Kingdom.

Standard Silver Rupee:

Specifications

Weight- 180 grains

Metal composition- 165 grains of pure silver and 15 grains of alloy

Diameter – 1.3”

Shape - Circular

Edge – milled

Obv - effigy of the then king or queen of United Kingdom

Rev – Value of the coin - LOTS!

Source Article and Image to read on!

Victoria "Gothic" Florin 1853 - Sterling Silver Great Britain Coin



The Magnificent "Gothic" Design

The Gothic design was first used on the beautiful gothic crown of 1847. After the disaster of the "Godless" issue in 1849, the gothic design was used on the new florin coin. It continued with a number of minor changes until 1887. Our specimen is dated mdcccliii for 1853, and is in excellent condition. This was only the second date of gothic florin to enter circulation. A small quantity were produced for 1851, but it is thought that they were not intended for circulation.

Obverse:

Large bust of Queen Victoria, crowned, and with a long hair braid, wearing a dress richly embroidered with roses, shamrocks and thistles. The engraver's initials W.W. for William Wyon, appear raised below the shoulder.
The obverse inscription appears in gothic style script, in upper and lower case. This in itself is quite unusual, in that most coin inscriptions are in upper case (capitals) only:
Victoria d g brit reg f d mdcccliii

Reverse:

Crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant for England, lion rampant for Scotland, and harp for Ireland. In the angles are roses, a shamrock and a thistle. In the centre there is a flower motif. All contained within a tressured circular panel.
The reverse design was also by William Wyon.
The reverse legend is also in lower case gothic style script, except for the "O" of "One":
One florin
one tenth of a pound

Edge

The edge is milled

Victoria "Gothic" Florin 1853 - Sterling Silver Great Britain Coin