Description
George VI (1936-52), Proof Five Pounds, 1937, bare head left, initials HP below truncation for Humphrey Paget, legend surrounds GEORGIVS VI DG BR OMN REX FD IND IMP, translated from Latin “George the Sixth by the Grace of God King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.” Rev, St George and dragon right, date in exergue, B.P. to upper right of exergue, edge plain, (S.4074; L&S 1; WR 435).
All coins which hail from the much coveted 1937 four coin gold set are becoming increasingly more difficult to procure in any grade. The Five pound piece is perhaps the most popular amongst collectors, due to its sheer size and presence. Much as struck, with minimal hairlines or contact marks, a truly impressive piece.
Provenance
These plain edge Proof gold Five Pounds were struck to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI on the 12th May 1937,
initially they were all contained in the ever popular four coin Proof sets, with a mintage of 5,501. Known for their minimalist
design courtesy of Humphrey Paget, handsome broad toothed borders and thick rims with a well-positioned life like portrait.
The reverse executed using Pistrucci’s timeless design of Saintt George slaying the dragon. The Proof coins within the reign of
George VI are generally confined to the four coin set, there were also Matt Proof sets, these sets are widely accepted as being of
the highest rarity [see Baldwin’s Auction 79 ‘Bentley Collection’ 8th May 2013, lot 1233 – hammer price for set £55,000 without
premium]. Lastly, a Trial Sovereign of 1937, identical to the Proof of the same year but struck in a different alloy of Gold has been
recorded, four known all housed in the Royal Mint collection
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