1839 proof maundy

[Menger 79]

I think these are “proof” - but they are horizontal axis strikes; maundy in the proof sets of this year were vertical axis strikes. I thus suspect these coins were part of one of the 1839 proof sets reportedly produced in later years. To me this adds to the fascination of the coins.

Sadly I am missing the penny (they came with what was clearly a standard Maundy penny - without the same mirror fields, polish marks and frosty devices). 

Please let me know if you have or ever see a horizontal axis struck “proof” (like) penny that is available!!

The die crack in the 3d is identical to that in an NGC graded proof Maundy set currently for sale by Atlas Numismatics - and I suspect that set also was a later strike. (Which would explain the imperfections such as the die crack and less than perfect denticles).

I am interested if anyone else in the forum has a different theory on what these may be - or has seen similar. 

Edited February 5, 2023 by Menger