George V Specimen Matt Satin Finish 1924 Threepence of highest rarity

George V (1910-36), Matt Satin finish Proof silver Threepence, 1924, bare head left, B.M raised on truncation for engraver Betram MacKennal, legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS VII D. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:, rev. crowned mark of value within oak wreath, date either side of 3, weight 1.43g (Bull 3942; ESC -; Davies -; S.4026). Toned practically as struck and of the highest rarity, one of only two examples known to the cataloguer.

The Latin legend translates as "George the Fifth, by the grace of God, King of all the Britons, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India."

1923 and 1924 were years where no currency silver Threepence coins were struck, and the only coins required were really the ones issued for Maundy purposes which were given a brilliant proof-like finish. In 1923 1,430 pieces were struck for maundy and 1,515 in 1924.

However, other experimental pieces were being struck in this period dated 1924 there is an example of the Threepence struck in gold, which has a number "4" stamped in the field. This was the last coin struck in a short series of gold 1924 Sixpences plus one Threepence, the sixpences being numbered 1 to 3. Other gold striking occur in 1922 for the Florin of which there are four examples, and in 1927 of the Halfcrown of which again there are four examples all of varying weights. These gold "experiments" were all produced in a collaboration with the Egyptian Government to investigate possibilities of gold coin production on their behalf.

However, these matt satin finish proof Threepences are not thought to be directly related to this activity. The first time the two Threepences appeared was in the mid to late 1990s when two sets of coins of this period struck with such specimen finishes, came up for sale privately over a period of months. One set at first stayed intact believed since broken up and perhaps where this coin comes from, and the other was offered piecemeal coin by coin.

The unusual array of coins were also notable as they included amongst their number the 1922 dated Penny with 1927 reverse in specimen format, the purported story accompanying them was they had all been part of a museum display overseas and were a special order to show obverse and reverse of the varying denominations of the coins.

As they only turned up within the last 25 years these coins were not listed in the old edition of English Silver Coinage nor in the Davies publication.

They remain an enigma and are of the highest rarity.