1966 'London Proof' 20 Cent - $50,000
Stock# 120654

Quantity

The only example in private hands of a 1966 Proof 20 Cent coin prepared on London Dies.
(We note that PCGS has graded another example, however we believe this coin to be wrongly accredited)

This coin comes with a letter of authenticity signed by R Gardiner, Quality Manager (Royal Australian Mint) 19 November 1990.

He notes in the letter that it has been 'examined in the Mint laboratories. The coin matches the characteristics of a genuine 20 cent Australian coin with the exception of mass which is below specification. However the mass is similar to that of a 1966 Proof London 20 cent which is held in the Mint museum.'

Other than the weight there are several points of difference that distinguish the Royal Mint Proof.

* Whereas The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) Proof has heavy frosting on the raised designs the Royal Mint (RM) Proof exhibits only light frosting on a polished blank.

* The overall obverse design on the RM Proof is smaller thus causing the legend to sit further from the perimeter of the coin when compared to the RAM Proof.

* The portrait of the Queen on the RM Proof has a single eyelash whereas on the RAM Proof there are two eyelashes.

* On the reverse, the tip of the water swirl is closer to the head of the platypus on the RM Proof than on the RAM Proof.

How the coin made its way into private hands is a mystery, however there is some speculation that it may have been gifted to a certain notorious coin collector by a Controller of the Mint in the early 1970's.