VickySilver

Wow, that obverse is none too impressive, the reverse better....

I tend to be in agreement, even though this is near to the core of my collection. Also, there seems to be very little demand, even for superior specimens. I have a couple of 3ds of this vintage that also are superior mint state examples, not far in quality from the proofs that I have. That having been said, there are some very, very nice proofs out there that are unmistakably of that quality. I think my main issue is rather with the Wreath crowns wherein the TPGs have certified FAR too many coins as proofs that are not.

My thoughts are that as well, likely 63ish, 64 on a good day. 1881 S as you've surmised is not a rarity and well struck often. However, these coins if not all that attractive do at least to me have a bit of a feel of the Olde Weste (LOL).

LOL

18 USD on eBay.....

Looks legit - maybe MS63 which if so and graded means about 1850-1875 USD.

Site was acting a bit funny today, and only bid on one coin as finances a bit tight. Won that one: Jamaica 5 pence overstrike on 1/2 real.

AU58ish in my opinion, not altogether unattractive but not just quite "there". Interesting how the reverse fared better which seems so often the case. I don't think it particularly well struck but there does appear abrasions across the devices (George) on obverse.

OK, don't get excited as it is only and primarily an edge variety with bevelled edges although there are some other differences. I got this from Spink in 1997 along with a pattern shilling that came from the Pretoria mint collection (did they retain anything?).

Yes, and especially in view of the truly special coins they had. Colonial as well as GB

Recall is about 1993-4 when all these coins, many unknown previously started making their appearance. What in the world? It was a bit of a surprise. I haven't really had conversation with Steve about this but think Bob I. would be the person to ask - is he still alive or about?

I've lost my notes from the time, but may have been minor bust/hair details. Please note that the (in)famous Bob Illsley "sourced" much of the South African Pretoria material. He at one time has ALL of the post-1902 matte proof sets, and one each (at least) of the gold patterns from the 1920s including 3d, 6d, florin, ??halfcrown. I managed to get the matte 1927 set, and then also the 1929 Wreath in proof, and several other pattern pieces. No provenances were provided. So Dolphin Coins at one time had massive connections to South Africa, but I have no independent knowledge of their knowledge as it were.

OK, I bought it from Steve Hill whilst he was as Spink at the time and may not have made the SNC then. It was a two coin lot with the new type (for 1927) shilling in proof and also a variant, though minor.

Related to this, was wondering if anybody had access to the April, 1997 SNC. That was the month I bought the 1927 shilling and crown, but it may have been a pre-sale. As an addendum, I am unaware of any publishing of the contents of the Pretoria Mint before it was deaquisitioned - does anybody know of source material?

Ridiculous there...

Yes, glad you mentioned it. I was in a pitched battle with the site for registration as well and only got on after the first 100 or so lots had gone. Fortunately I was looking for a proof half crown that came up later on (I blew my budget on that one!).

There was once much discussion on this topic. LA Lawrence sale(s) - hell Rob - had a number and then Norweb did. The former seemed IMO a bit unsure as to status whereas Norweb sales cataloguer more convinced of Proof status. Steve Hill has weighed in on this on a number of occasions as well. I have to say that sometimes determining proof status is a bit difficult; I will try to post some pages on writeup of proof vs. specimen vs. currency that came from the Eliasberg Canadian sale & might need a bit of help. I'll try on the weekend if there is interest.

Looks buffed/polished to me. I think legit though.

Ah, a few pirates breaking the thread. May I join? IMO, the Regnal LVII 1893 is pretty scarce as are a coupe of others.... I just like seeing fully struck and unmucked with crowns of any date. I still lack a few and have been lazy. Seems like I do better with Vicky shillings and 6ds.

Yes. Garbage. The obverse badly done, the reverse a bit better. A quick cue: check the hair and braid "detail" - very crude!

Yikes, I feel relatively experienced in this wreath series and have conferred in earlier days with many of the experts and when I see such offerings I cringe. I don't blame Heritage, but rather PCGS. What say you (item 30870): Pr

Here is an encapsulated 1928 proof that was bought as part of an original 1928 Six Coin Silver Proof Set in a Spink auction late 1990s:

Pretty much. This appears to be a proof-like relatively ordinary coin here. The PCGS shot is a glamour version....The rims indeed are not all that sharp, but the big issue is the obverse portrait which is softly struck and has massive marks to the cheek and jaw areas (at least for a "65") whether or not one agrees to it not being a proof. Unfortunately the 1932s and 1934s which have the lowest mintage also have a greater percentage of Proof-Like currency strikes. My grade is Uncirculated 63 (Proof Like), and not proof or even specimen. Actually my point was for potential buyers to beware of Wreaths other than 1927 offered as proof.

Guesses? An unloved series but unimpeachable (like that one?) rarity. I would have to think that 50k would not be out of the question. Right up my wheelhouse as far as the coin, not the price!