British West Africa 1940 shilling
This specimen was lot 52061 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "BRITISH WEST AFRICA. Shilling, 1940. London Mint. George VI. PCGS PROOF-64. An exceedingly gorgeous proof specimen, this wonderful Shilling delivers a resounding and bright brassy luster. Limitedly handled or marked, leaving this as a most impressive specimen for the dedicated enthusiast." British West Africa comprised Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast (now Ghana) and Nigeria. The union broke up in the late fifties as the parts were granted independence. This type was struck at London, Heaton and King's Norton mints 1938-47. This is a common date tho the proofs are rare. The last shilling is dated 1952.
Recorded mintage: 40,311,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 5.65 g, nickel-brass, 23.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-23.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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