Unique, Unrecorded 1863 Penny

A unique and unrecorded 1863 English Penny with a die number 5 below the date will be sold by auction in Tennants Auctioneers specialist Coin and Stamp Sale in Leyburn, North Yorkshire on Wednesday, 4th June 2008.

In the early 1860 s the Mint introduced numbering dies on a number of coins, although the purpose of this remains unclear. Die numbers 2, 3 and 4 have already been recorded by Michael Freeman in The Bronze Coinage of Britain and Michael Gouby in The British Bronze Penny , however a penny with a number 5 die number has so far not been recorded.

This coin has been inspected by Royal Mint authorities including the Chief Engraver, who shares the view that the figure beneath the date is indeed a 5, thus making this find numismatically important. The coin is expected to sell for between £4,000 and £5,000.

Also in this sale will be a large collection of proof gold coins with a value of over £100,000 and several volumes of bank notes including English, Scottish, Commonwealth and Foreign notes, all in extremely fine condition. In addition, an extensive collection of commemorative medallions in gold, silver and bronze including most of the coronation issues, are also being offered for sale.

Entries are being invited for Tennants Coin and Stamp Sale to be held on 4th June 2008. For more information visit www.tennants.co.uk