Straits Settlements: Edward VII Proof Dollar 1904B,...

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Edward VII Proof Dollar 1904B, KM26, Milled Edge Proof 64 NGC, struck at the Bombay Mint. In 1902, the Royal Mint gave a 'new' finish to the Proof coins of Edward--the Matte finish, ostensibly to allow for better photography. It could also have been because collector's mentioned the problem with keeping a Mirror-finish Proof free of hairlines. The Matte finish did hide handling marks quite well, but it was not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as the Mirror finish. This desire for a Matte finish persisted throughout Edward's reign including the 1908 Canada Specimen sets. Not everyone was happy with the Matte finish. In contrast, some beautiful Mirror-finished coins were minted such as the Straits Settlements 1905B 50 Cents and the 1910 20 Cents, as well as some of the coins of the British India series. Pridmore had a 1903 Straits Settlements Dollar struck with mirror surfaces at the Royal Mint. This Dollar seems to have a mix of the characteristics we expect from the matte and mirror proofs. The edge is quite square and there is more of a mirror surface to the coin than one sees on the regular coinage, BUT there is no evidence of double striking and the high points are somewhat weak. When holding this Dollar at most angles, it appears mostly as a Matte Proof. There are a few handling marks but it has an original, even patina. There is evidence of die rust behind the King's head, so we wonder if this was struck near the end of the year as a somewhat hastily prepared presentation coin? The mix of Matte and Mirror makes for an interesting combination.

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