Great Britain: George V bronze Pattern Penny by Lavrillier 1933,...

Description

The Ultra Rare 1933 Pattern Penny

George V bronze Pattern Penny by Lavrillier 1933, P2284, Fr786, exceedingly rare, only 4 pieces believed to exist, struck by the Royal Mint (at Tower Hill). Bertram Mackennal was the official mint engraver at this time, and his initials, B.M., appear on the pennies and other coins of this rule, and they appear here as well, on the king's truncation, just to the right of the initials A.L., the "A" in the shape of a delta, standing for the French artist to whom this pattern is attributed, Andre Lavrillier. It would seem that his conception for this penny might have been engraved, or overseen, by Mackennal. Peck points out the various differences seen on this piece compared to design elements on the normal issue, the most distinctive being the fastidious detail given to engraving the king's hair, beard and moustache. This creates a far more dramatic looking (and lifelike) image than the one seen on the standard coins of King George V. Freeman points out that this piece may well exist because the mint wished to produce a portrait which would eliminate the "ghosting" so frequently seen on the earlier pennies of King George. The smaller head which had first been used in 1928 (S4055 style) had reduced the ghosting effect, but it persisted to some extent, and evidently this pattern was the product of this ambition. It was never adopted, of course, and the coinage of this king ended within a few years. For numismatists, the result was the major rarity produced by Lavrillier and Mackennal. And here is a wonderful and famous specimen, having earlier been in the collection of Mrs Emery May Norweb. It appeared as Lot 1149, Spink sale #56, 19 November 1986. It sold then for 4,100 Pounds. Mrs Norweb purchased it in May 1958 from Baldwin's, London. It was described in the Norweb Collection sale as "As struck, toned" and now is graded PR65 BN by NGC (slab serial #3257953-001). Also ex Colin Adams Collection. It is a superb piece, sharply impressed by the proof dies, showing only the most minor handling marks, glowing with a gorgeous brownish faded red reflective luster, its design images offset by deeply beaded rims that are squared off but gently beveled. The edge is plain. There is a diagnostic, tiny round spot of oxidation just touching the king's hair by the "O" of OMN, and a faint long broken scuff just above the "B" in Mackennal's initials. This is a great penny rarity, of marvelous design and execution, as well as a sheer visual delight. Only 4 exist, according to Peck. Currency 1933 pennies are almost unobtainable as well, so 1933 is a magical date in modern English numismatics. Only one lucky collector will manage to secure it in this sale, after which it may go back into "hiding" for another two decades, if not longer. Opportunity knocks but seldom when it comes to really rare, superb coins.

More information about Great Britain Coins. See also: Great Britain World Coin Nationality.

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