The Joanna Tansley Collection of Patterns, Proofs and Coining Trials

Victoria (1837-1901), Smith on Decimal Currency, a set of Patterns, 1846, by Marrian & Gausby, comprising One Centum, in white metal, 10.78g/6h (BMC –; F 812b; KM. PPn28), 10 Cents, in copper, 66.82g/6h (BMC 2075; F 813; KM. PPn35), 5 Cents, in copper, 27.55g/6h (BMC 2081; F 818; KM. PPn33), 2 Cents, in copper, 10.91g/6h (BMC 2082; F 819; KM. PPn29), 1 Cent, in copper, 5.58g/6h (BMC 2086; F 823; KM. PPn27), all edges plain [5]. Last extremely fine with original colour, others very fine, the Centum with metal flaw on face and several surface marks, 10, 5 and 2 Cents all lightly cleaned in the past and the 10 Cents with surface marks on obverse, a rare and original group (£500-700)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Joanna Tansley Collection of Patterns, Proofs and Coining Trials.

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Collection

Provenance:
First and second M.J. Freeman Collection, Christie’s Auction, 23 October 1984, lots 256 and 257, bt P.C.W. Deane
Third and fourth M.J. Freeman Collection, Christie’s Auction, 23 October 1984, lots 262 and 263, bt G. Monk.

These pieces were struck by the Birmingham diesinkers Marrian & Gausby when decimal coins were first mooted in 1846; the centum is thought to have represented a silver decimal shilling of 50 cents. Marrian & Gausby’s principal business was as manufacturers of silver and electroplated wares. The principal proprietors were Francis H. Marrian and John Baker Gausby (Hawkins pp.358-9); the pieces themselves are believed to have been executed by Francis’ elder brother, John Marrian (1796-1848)