Victoria 1876 bronze Specimen Proof 3-coin Set

Victoria (1837-1901), Specimen Proof bronze Penny, Halfpenny, Farthing with normal 6, all dated 1876 with H below, Heaton Mint, laureate "bun" type bust left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:, rev. Britannia seated right with trident and shield, ship sailing to right, lighthouse to left, date in exergue, H below, denomination of each coin above, 9.47g, 5.62g, 2.81g respectively (Peck 1708, 1816, 1894; Fr.89 dies 8+K, 329 dies 14+M; 534 dies 5+C; S.3955, 3957, 3959). A matching toned group with light Victorian lacquer both sides, a few tiny spots, and marks on all coins, well struck with sharp rims, have been graded by NGC as PF62BN for the Penny, Proof details (Obverse Scratched) for the Halfpenny, and Proof details (Reverse Cleaned) for the Farthing, very rare trio. (3)

NGC Certifications 5880648-001, 002, 003

The abbreviated Latin legend on the obverse translates as "Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith." Despite the Details grades on the Halfpenny and Farthing, all three coins are graded proof, and seeing as such coins were lacquered to preserve them in Victorian times, it is not surprising that the minor coins have been graded as such. Ralph Heaton and Sons of Birmingham were contracted to help the Mint meet targets of UK bronze coin output needed for circulation, and their production was marked with a raised H under the date. Specimen strikes like those herewith would have been produced for very important people who may have visited the Mint at the time.

Provenance:
Ex Joanna Tansley Collection of Patterns, Proofs and Coining Trials,
Dix, Noonan and Webb, Auction 67, 28th September 2005, lot 369.