New Zealand 1951 florin
This specimen was lot 30402 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $3,525. The catalog description[1] noted, "George VI Proof Florin 1951 PR66 NGC. An extremely rare offering with deeply-reflective fields that shimmer with idyllic, rainbow iridescence. The obverse devices are nicely illuminated by deep pools of champagne luster that create a lovely, three-dimensional effect on the portrait of George and the reverse motif features the representative Kiwi bird with boldly-struck detail, and every feather raised and lifelike. Tremendously appealing and scarcely encountered in this deluxe quality, with an outstanding appearance second to none." 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. This is a common issue, struck 1948-51 but the proofs are rare. In 1948 the obverse legend was revised to "KING GEORGE THE SIXTH." The denomination was terminated upon decimalization in 1965-66.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000 plus a few proofs.
Specification: 11.31 g, copper-nickel, 28.58 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 18.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3037, featuring the Empire, the Santa Catarina, the Law and the Santa Maria Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
Link to: