Edward VIII coins

[Oxford_Collector]

I stumbled across these images of the Edward VIII proof set recently, as I understand it, only 4 sets were made, were these the only British Edward VIII coins ever produced? Not sure what the hand-cuffs on the sixpence and silver threepence are all about, mind! :-)

[ski]

interlinked rings of st edmund.....or something like that.

Edited February 25, 2012 by ski

[argentumandcoins]

There was a batch of brass threepences released by the mint to vending machine operators of the time to adapt their machines (first year of issue of this type of course). They were recalled by the mint but stunningly enough some were kept back by recipients.

[Coinery]

I stumbled across these images of the Edward VIII proof set recently, as I understand it, only 4 sets were made, were these the only British Edward VIII coins ever produced? Not sure what the hand-cuffs on the sixpence and silver threepence are all about, mind! :-)

When I think about how much of a struggle it is to take a photo of just 1 single coin, with the focus good across the entire coin, and replicate the colour in an honest way, I can do nothing other than marvel at the standard of the photograph alone. Imagine pulling that set out of the drawer when you're numie mates pop round for a glass of Bollinger and chips (with curry sauce and mushy peas)?

[Coinery]

Of, course, CS3/4 and photoshop have their part to play, but still a very impressive piece of art.

[scott]

i thought the brass 3D design was differant

that looks like a fantastic set, shame farthing looks ugly in terms of toning

the 3D and 6D look deco though, which fits the period

[Oxford_Collector]

Would love an Edward VIII brass 3D! I'm guessing these are rare as hen's teeth, though!? BTW I was also wondering why there appears to be no half-sovereign in the proof set, I thought this was usually included in 'long' sets?

Which other countries released Edward VIII coins? I'm vaguely aware that some colonies did, but am unclear which ones or which coins.

[scott]

african states

[Peckris]

There was a batch of brass threepences released by the mint to vending machine operators of the time to adapt their machines (first year of issue of this type of course). They were recalled by the mint but stunningly enough some were kept back by recipients.

i thought the brass 3D design was differant

that looks like a fantastic set, shame farthing looks ugly in terms of toning

the 3D and 6D look deco though, which fits the period

The brass 3d of which Argentum speaks did have a different reverse - a more 'naturalistic looking' thrift plant with the date to either side. Those - though extremely rare - are in fact more common than the proofs with the 'normal' reverse. They are also of a slightly different thickness and possibly weight too?

The 6d and 3d actually feature prototypes of the ring pull so often seen on modern tins.

[Generic Lad]

Yes, I think the Brass 3d was released in many different forms/designs and given out to people who run vending machines. The idea was to come up with a thickness and size that was easy enough to use in coin operated machines but distinct enough that it wouldn't be confused with a coin either higher or lower in value.

http://www.mcsearch.info/search.html?search=&view_mode=0&c=7&a=232&l=&page=14

Shows one of the early design Edward VIII threepenny bits for sale (about the 6th one down) and it still realized $24,000 despite it being quite ugly.

I think the use of St. Edward's rings on the silver 3d and 6d were made to show that Edward VIII was a sort of spiritual successor to Edward the Confessor, despite the huge differences between them!

I've always found the story of Edward VIII's sets to be a sad one, once he abdicated he tried to get one from the Royal Mint but his brother denied his application and so he never owned the only British coins to bear his image.

[scott]

i prefer that design though.

i want that set. is it me or does that large soverign coin look sort of bland due to the empty space

[davidrj]

No English shilling?

David

[Generic Lad]

i prefer that design though.

i want that set. is it me or does that large soverign coin look sort of bland due to the empty space

On larger coins it does seem like there's lots of spare space. It seems unusual that Edward VIII went for such a traditional design on his gold coins, considering he wanted a (radical) re-design of all the others with the exception of the penny. Personally, I think a shield design or even a radically different design (such as Victoria's Una and the Lion) looks better on larger coins like Crowns and 5 pound gold than St. George slaying the dragon.

[Peckris]

No English shilling?

David

No, Edward only ever intended the Scottish design to be used. Which rather gives the lie to the notion that the Scottish shilling was to honour the Scottish ancestry of Mrs George VI - Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon - which I've heard more than once, and is clearly untrue.