Straits Settlements 1873 1/4 cent

Sincona sale 73, lot 1804

This specimen was lot 1804 in Sincona sale 73 (Zürich, November 2021), where it sold for 250 CHF (about US$322 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. Victoria, 1837-1901. 1/4 Cent 1873, Heaton Mint. Sehr selten. Sehr schön. (Straits Settlements, Victoria, 1837-1901, quarter cent of 1873, Heaton mint. Very rare, Very fine.)"

The type was struck in 1872-75 and 1883 and is scarce despite the large mintage. The auctioneers state that it was struck at Heaton but there is no mintmark. It was converted to bronze for the 1884 issue (KM 7a) and given a reeded edge for the 1889-91, 1898-99 issue (KM 14) when production for circulation ceased.

Recorded mintage: unknown but rare.

Specification: copper, this specimen 2.37 g.

Catalog reference: KM 7.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 73: World Coins and Medals, Bullion Auction and World Banknotes, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2021.

Link to:

• 1872-H ¼ cent
• 1872-H cent
• 1872-H 20 cents
• 1873 ½ cent
• 1873 cent
• 1873 20 cents
• 1874 cent
• 1874-H cent
• Coins and currency dated 1873