South Africa 1932 shilling
This specimen was lot 31726 in Heritage sale 3035 (Long Beach, September 2014), where it sold for $2,820. The catalog description[1] noted, "George V Shilling 1932 MS66 NGC. Subtle, multi tonal hues magnify the incredible raised detail on the bust of George V. A spectacular piece in gem condition, absolutely eye-appealing and worthy of premium bid consideration." South Africa, after a turbulent history between English and Dutch settlers and the native population, was constituted the Union of South Africa in 1910. Coinage commenced in 1923. The shilling pieces were originally 0.800 fine silver (KM 17, issued 1923-36 and KM 28, issued 1937-50), then 0.500 fine silver (KM 37.2, issued 1951-52 and KM 49, issued 1953-60). Additional ten cent pieces were struck 1961-64 after the white-dominated Republic of South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth. This date is common but the proofs are rare. With the collapse of apartheid, collecting South African coins is now respectable again.
Recorded mintage: 2,537,000 plus 12 proofs.
Specification: 5.66 g, 0.800 fine silver, 23.5 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Bertram MacKennal and George Kruger-Gray.
Catalog reference: KM 17.3.
- 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]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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