1860 F760 (Gouby A+a; Freeman 1**+A) – Bronzed Proof R18
Although listed as a pattern by Freeman, Gouby considers this obverse to be from an “unadopted” die and lists it in the “Trials, Proofs & Anomalies section” of his specialised book on Victorian pennies. Paul Holland has documented that these early pennies were struck as both proofs and as circulation coins as part of the “new” bronze coinage in 1860 but production was halted after Queen Victoria objected to the design, in particular her nose and eye, and a redesigned portrait was eventually issued in bulk.
Note: all examples are struck with obverse A where the R & E of REG touch at the bottom (F761 has the repaired R).
The key identifiers for this variety are (for obverse A) the long stem of the top right clover leaf stretching down to the rose and (for reverse a), the crosses of Britannia’s shield being edged by 2 close raised lines with her thumb short of St George’s cross.
Example 1
Sold by in June 2006 Dix, Noonan & Webb as part of the Laurie Bamford collection
Example 2
Sold in September 2010 as part of the James Workman collection
Example 3
Sold in March 2009 by London Coins (incorrectly described as F8A)
Example 4
Held in a private collection
Example 5
Held in a private collection
Example 6
Sold by Heritage auction in January 2019
Example 7
Sold by Noonan’s in February 2024 (for £2060)