Lot 2783

Description

1951 VIP Crown, George VI, 1936-1952. Proof "V.I.P." 5 Shillings (Crown) 1951, S-4111. ESC- 4025. L&S-11, Davies 2020. Incuse lettered edge *MDCCCLI CIVIUM INDUSTRIA FLORET CIVITAS MCMLI. 28.07g. CuNi, V.I.P. issue. (R4, 11-20 estimated mintage) Type two with fully defined reverse features. Legend translates as: 1851 by the industry of the people the state flourishes 1951. Struck for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and commemorates the centenary of the Great Exhibition 1851 and the 400th anniversary of the silver crown; paradoxically, this was the first UK crown struck in base metal. Obverse: by H. Paget (initials under truncation) Effigy of G.VI facing left. The legend reads GEORGIVS VI D:G BR : OMN : REX F:D: above effigy with FIVE SHILLINGS underneath. Without IND IMP. Reverse: by B. Pistrucci (initials under the right side of exergue) St George slaying the dragon with no legend and date below - see detailed description for the 1887 issues. This VIP issue is distinguishable from proof coins by the extra polishing treatments applied to both the flan and acid-etched dies and extra care in striking resulting in a deep frosted cameo appearance with mirrored fields. Ultra cameo FDC and extremely rare.