South Africa 1927 2-1/2 shillings
This specimen was lot 32312 in Heritage sale 3067 (Long Beach, September 2018), where it sold for $19,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Africa: George V 2-1/2 Shillings 1927 MS65 NGC. The single highest certified specimen of this popular South African denomination by either NGC or PCGS, conditionally unique as such. This Gem exhibits full cartwheel luster adding a satiny texture to the planchet, a wonderfully sharp portrait of George V and an overall unbeatable eye appeal. For the highest tier collector of the South African numismatic series, you need look no further for a 1927 2-1/2 Shillings - they come no finer than this." The 2½ shillings or half crown was struck in South Africa 1923-60. It was 0.800 fine silver until 1930 and 0.500 fine thereafter. The earlier issue (KM 19.1) varies from this type by having "2½ SHILLINGS 2½" in the reverse legend.
Recorded mintage: 194,000.
Specification: 14.14 g, 0.800 fine silver, 32.3 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 19.2.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Hern, Brian, John Bothma and Hercie Pieterse, Hern's Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns, Ferndale, South Africa, 2013.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2018 September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3067, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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