1938 Proof Shilling - PCGS PR63

1938 Proof Shilling

PCGS PR63

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certification

Australia, 1938 Proof Shilling -

Although the Melbourne mint regularly struck proof coins for collectors during the 1950s and 1960s, Australia’s first commercially-struck proofs were minted in 1916. Possibly to commemorate the crowning of King George VI, or perhaps simply to showcase Australia’s newly-designed coinage, the mint in 1938 issued the full range of circulation coins in polished proof quality. One hundred coins were struck of each denomination, according to mint records, but only the threepence was completely sold out. John Sharples, the former Curator of Numismatics at the Museum of Victoria, suggests that the unsold proof coins of 1939 were destroyed, so it’s not unreasonable to assume that the same happened to the unsold proofs of 1938. Whatever the case, mint records (kindly compiled by John Sharples and published in the Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia, Volume 5, 1990) indicate that only 94 proof shillings were sold and issued. The shilling photographed above was one of those 94, and has survived in relatively good shape over the last seventy-six years. The fields are glossy, bright, and white, the strike is sharp, and the eye appeal will blow you away. Mentioned for accuracy only, there is a small, black spot on the reverse near the “H” of shilling, but this does not detract in any way from the overall presentation of the coin. Certified PR63 with PCGS, the coin is by no means a “top pop” coin, but if you’re looking for a well-priced pre-1955 proof at a price point that is not completely out of the range of the average collector, this is your coin. Competitively priced at $8,500.

Grades PCGS PR63.

Product ID: 1938(m)30566433

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