Rare Australian 1902 S Proof Sovereign, Internment Camp Tokens & Ned Kelly 'Scrimshaw' Horn

May 5, 2024 12:00 PM AEST
Timed Auction

299 Lots

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Smalls Auctions

Location: Sydney, Australia

Phone: +61 (0)2 9357 5492

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Welcome to Smalls Auctions Sale 263. In this Sale we have the 1902 S ‘Brilliant’ Proof Sovereign PCGS PR66+ Deep Cameo a coin with the dual attributes of exceptional quality and rarity. It is certainly a museum piece and is likely to have come out of the Pretoria Mint in South Africa when they sold off their collection in the mid-1990’s. As confirmed by its high grade, this unique Sovereign is a truly stunning specimen struck in the first year of the reign of Edward VII. Another connection to the Pretoria Mint is an abridged set of Prisoner of War Tokens relating to WWII. These were stuck by the Royal Mint (Pretoria) for the Union of South Africa to be used by internees in POW camps comprised mainly of Nazi sympathisers and other suspicious aliens of unsure allegiance. The set comprising a 1d, 3d, 6d, 1/- & 2/- were struck in compressed fibre and despite this fragile medium have survived in pristine Uncirculated condition. These tokens are rarely found so well preserved as they were used and abused in the system before the vast majority were collected and destroyed post war in 1946. Even in lower grades they are considered scarce to rare. Another ‘collection’ of note is the three scrimshaw pieces on offer. The first is a Whale Tooth scribed with a 'View of Hong Kong 1860.' This item certainly meets the strict definition of ‘scrimshaw’ which relates to carvings with seafaring origins but over time the subject matter broadened to include other landlubber hand-carvings on bone and ivory. From an Australian perspective is there anything more divisive than the ‘Ned Kelly Horn’ which glorifies our criminal roots. It was reputedly carved by George King, Kelly’s American step-father, who adapted contemporary pictures from the Illustrated Sydney News to trade on his step-son’s notoriety. A similarly executed ‘scrimshaw’ horn sold at Noble Numismatics Auction in July 2001 for $192,225 when it was thought to be unique but since then a few other examples have come to light, including the one on offer. The third item is an exquisitely carved 19th Century 'Scrimshaw' Horn featuring the Royal Coat of Arms and an Ode to Bacchus the God of Wine. No doubt it was passed around the table by the lads to toast to the health of Queen Victoria. As usual we have a varied selection of collectables as well as a good selection of Australian and World coins and banknotes to round out the Sale. Smalls Auctions
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Conditions of Sale

VAT and taxes: The Buyer's Premium is inclusive of the Australian G(oods) & S(ervices T(ax) incurred by our service.

Shipping Terms: AUSTRALIA :

Purchases within Australia will be charged a MINIMUM SHIPPING FEE of $10.00 and will be sent by Registered Post.

Additional insurance is optional at the buyer's expense.

Larger lots may incur an additional charge.

OVERSEAS :

Overseas purchases will be charged a MINIMUM SHIPPING FEE of $35.00 and will be sent by standard International Post.

Additional insurance is optional at the buyer's expense

Larger lots may incur an additional charge.

If we are unsure of the bona fides of a successful bidder we may request identification such as a Passport Photo or Drivers's Licence that matches the Credit Card details registered with Invaluable before we despatch an item.

Both Australian and International packages are traceable in transit and may require a signature on delivery.

Buyers Premium: All purchases are subject to an all inclusive 20.0 % Buyer's Premium on the hammer price.

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