New Zealand 1947 florin
This specimen was lot 31415 in Heritage sale 3035 (Long Beach, September 2014), where it sold for $3,818.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "George VI Proof Florin 1947 PR66 Cameo NGC. An important Proof striking with obvious cameo contrast between the motifs and fields and perfectly defined surfaces that intricately detail the Kiwi bird on the reverse. The only Proof florin of the date 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. Florins 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.
Recorded mintage: 2,500,000 plus a few proofs.
Specification: 11.31 g, copper-nickel, 28.58 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-10.2a.
- 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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