Lot 798

Description

George V, Royal Mint London, proof Waitangi crown, 1935. Toned, tiny carbon spot in reverse field, otherwise FDC and rare.

Ex Allan Sutherland Collection. In Royal Mint card box (manufactured for the British 1935 specimen crown) as supplied to Sutherland, "Proof NZ Crown, specially sent to me by Sir Robt. Johnson, Deputy Master, Royal Mint" in Sutherland's hand on front of box. Together with a copy of page 2 of a letter from Johnson sent with the coin. In the letter Johnson expresses his regret at being unable to supply Sutherland with a "trial" piece but offering him this "specimen" strike to "allay your disappointment". The "trial" refers to the unauthorised version or "pattern" Waitangi crown. Sutherland's hand written note in the letter's margin states "I actually handled the unauthorised coin with Sir Robt". Sutherland visted London and the Royal Mint in the early 1930's.