This die trial striking is of great numismatic importance and rarity. Edward VIII (1894-1972) abdicated the English throne in 1936. This obverse die trial bearing the portrait of Edward VIII was struck in a Nickel/Brass composition and weighs 1.67 grams. The reverse is uniface since only the obverse die was used. This die trial appears to have a matte finish surface on the obverse and is almost uncirculated. This was the official adopted obverse design since coins were struck in 1937 with his portrait.
Upon the death of his father, King George V, in January 1936, Edward was proclaimed King Edward VIII, King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 11, 1936 in order to marry an American, Mrs. Wallis Simpson. His brother, the Duke of York, was next in line and became King George VI. Edward VIII received the title Duke of Windsor and married Mrs. Simpson in June 1937.
An Edward VIII 3 Pence struck with both the obverse and reverse dies is photographed and listed in Krause under patterns with a value of $45,000. Several other denominations of Edward VIII are also photographed and listed including a Shilling at $37,000, a Sovereign at $120,000 and several others listed as rare or have no price listed.
The next ruler was King George VI. Coins bearing his portrait were first struck in 1937. The obverse of the King George VI 3 Pence also has a Nickel/Brass composition with the identical obverse design other than a different name and portrait.
The story of Edward VIII is one of the most fascinating in World Numismatics since coins were struck bearing his portrait but were not released. |
