British Coins

Victoria (1837-1901), Proof Threepence, 1866, dies 3+B, 1.40g/6h (cf. Davies 1285; ESC –; cf. S 3914C). A little hairlined, otherwise virtually as struck, excessively rare, the Proof striking not noted in the references £600-800

Provenance: DNW Auction 102, 18 September 2012, lot 2727.

The currency specimen is listed in Spink as extremely rare. Maundy threepences were struck using Davies dies 2+A; it was not until 1868 that Maundy threepences were struck with Davies dies 3+B. Davies obverse 3 has been noted on the following Proof coins: a late striking of an 1853 groat (DNW 24 September 2008, lot 2726), 1857 groat, 1866 threepence (this coin) and 1867 threepence (recorded in an 1867 Proof Maundy set on the market in 2011)