New Zealand 1947 6 pence
This specimen was lot 31413 in Heritage sale 3035 (Long Beach, September 2014), where it sold for $2,585. The catalog description[1] noted, "George VI Proof Sixpence 1947 PR66 NGC. An extremely rare Proof striking with undisturbed reflectivity in the fields and delicate, streaked gold tone atop the surfaces. The only example thus far certified by NGC." New Zealand did not receive her own coinage until 1933, British coins being used heretofore. Issue of pennies and half pennies did not begin until 1940. Sixpences were struck for George VI in 0.500 fine silver 1937-46, then copper-nickel for 1947. In 1948 the obverse was revised from "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR" to "KING GEORGE THE SIXTH." The denomination was terminated upon decimalization in 1965-66. Wikipedia comments, "The huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) is an extinct species of New Zealand wattlebird, endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in 1907."
Recorded mintage: 3,200,000 plus 20 proofs.
Specification: 2.83 g, copper-nickel, 19.3 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-8a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, and Warren Tucker, Heritage Signature Auction 3035, World and Ancient Coins, featuring the FoxLair Collection and the Law Collection, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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