The Joanna Tansley Collection of Patterns, Proofs and Coining Trials

Edward VII (1901-1910), Trial Penny, 1902, by the Kings Norton Metal Co Ltd, in bronze, bust right, no legend, rev. kings norton metal co l·d around border of linked concentric circles, this encircling ten small circles and a further border of linked concentric circles within which is the cypher knm, wide toothed border both sides, edge plain, 10.12g/12h. Some light scuffing on obverse, otherwise extremely fine with much original colour, of the highest rarity, probably the only known specimen (£500-1,000)

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

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The Kings Norton Metal Company, a private mint in Kings Norton, Birmingham, had, as one of its first important contracts in the coinage business, a contract to supply blanks for British farthings, halfpence and pennies in 1912 and 1913. The existence of this and the following piece demonstrates clearly that the company had designs on a British coinage contract early in the reign of Edward VII and Graham Dyer kindly advises that in 1902 the company informed the Royal Mint that they had installed a coining plant and were willing to supply the Mint with coins and blanks. Further details of the company are footnoted at lot 499