1902 Matt Proof Half Crown

[Paulus]

From the same matched set as the crown I posted pics of recently, here is the half-crown, together with the notorious 'Mint-wipe' on the obverse

 

Would love to see other members' pics of their examples of this proof

Edited May 20, 2016 by Paulus

[ozjohn]

My 1902 matte proof halfcrown.

[Paulus]

Thanks ozjohn, that looks to be a stunning example - it would surely photograph even better outside of the capsule?

[ozjohn]

Thanks Paulus your coin ain't too bad either. The picture I posted was scanned using an Epson photo scanner. I found that they looked better when in a capsule because when the coin was scanned when placed directly on the glass plate the highest points appeared more flattened than they were.

[Garrett]

They are both very nice coins as far as I am concerned.

The "mint wipe lines" do not detract IMHO due to the history (though I had to ask my mate Dr Google what you were on about).  

Some info here http://www.australian-coins.com/collecting-coins/great-britain-1902-matte-proof-sets/

Coin-collecting folklore says that the Royal Mint workers disliked the finish greatly and wiped the coins as they came out of the presses on their leather aprons to give them a more brilliant appearance. Regardless of whether the wiping legend is true or not almost every British 1902 proof coin you will find is hairlined, from the monstrous 5 pound coin down to the tiny Maundy penny

Edited May 21, 2016 by Garrett
additional information

[coinkat]

Nice coins with excellent images. Ozjohn- your image really captures the portrait detail.

My example was graded by PCGS and graded 63- not great but good enough. I seem to have found better Matte Crowns than Matte Half Crowns of this date.

[ozjohn]

Thanks.I also have a matte proof florin and crown which I have already posted.