Unrecorded 1874 (Gouby J+g; Freeman 6+G) – Proof ?
Offered by London Coins in September 2012 – ex-Michael Freeman who described it as “Proof”
Note: this appears to be similar to the 1874H F74 variety (Gouby K+j; Freeman 7+H) which Freeman lists as a bronze proof but which may actually be a “specimen” or early strike.
Periodically, the Heaton mint struck carefully finished ‘specimen’ coins of varying denominations as an example of what the company could produce; in some instances they were presented as gifts to dignitaries and government officials and in other cases were part of the travelling portfolio of a Heaton sales representative