This 1924 Specimen Penny is believed unique in private hands – and was according to Barrie Winsor especially struck by the Melbourne Mint to display at the 1924 Royal Exhibition in London.

The coin is highly detailed. It was an occasion when ‘only the best will do’ – and this coin certainly lived up to expectations.

It has been brilliantly preserved and is presented in glorious original condition.

A specimen strike – what is it?

Specimens were coins especially created from the working dies. The blanks were not especially treated, a clear distinction from proof coinage, where the blanks were highly polished to a mirror shine.

The dies involved in a specimen strike were however pre-prepared to create as sharp a strike as possible. Evidence of their preparation is seen in the striations transferred as markings onto the coin’s fields.

Coining perfection

We notice the inner beads are as close to perfect as you will get; so too the denticles. (It is interesting that even proof quality strikings can show some softness in these areas of the strike)

Striations

The coin shows the characteristic traits of a controlled specimen strike. There are strong striations in the fields which indicate that the dies were especially prepared ahead of the striking.

Sharp edges

The edges are square, sharp and smooth, reflecting a precision in the striking not associated with circulating coinage. (The edges in circulating strikes show a characteristic roundness)

Summary

A remarkable quality coin, created for an historic event, offered at a price that we believe will embrace considerable growth.

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