1960 New York Exhibition Commemorative Crown |
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There were two type of crowns issued in 1960; the New York Exhibition Commemorative version and the normal crown.
New York Exhibition Commemorative Crown
The 1960 Crown was struck to celebrate the British Exhibition in New York in 1960. Amongst other British manufacturers, the Royal Mint had a stand, on which they were demonstrating coins being struck. The coin struck was the 1960 crown, or five shilling piece, which was designed for the occasion. The coins made at the exhibition were made using a polished die.
We understand that the Mint bagged up all its unsold stock before shipping them back to the UK. This almost certainly explains why the polished die version frequently turns up with more, and heavier, bagmarking than the normal issue.
Polished Die Prooflike Version
The coins struck at the exhibition were made using polished dies, normally used only for proof coins, although the raised parts of the design were not matt finish, as is typical of proofs, and most of these coins are found with bagmarks (due to the unsold coins being bagged up and shipped back to the UK). Because of this, perfect examples of the polished die version are hard to find.
Two Types Terminology
Some people call either or both types "New York Exhibition" crowns. In order to avoid any ambiguity, we have started to refer to them as the 'normal' or 'ordinary' version, and the 'polished die' version.
Obverse
The first (young) portrait of the Queen facing right, designed by Mary Gillick.
ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F D
FIVE SHILLINGS
Reverse
Crown in centre of emblematical cross, formed from a thistle, rose, leek and shamrock. In the angles, there are four shields bearing the arms of Scotland, England and Ireland.
This is the same reverse design as used on the coronation crown of 1953, but with the date changed.
1960
Edge
The edge is milled
Specifications
Version | Diameter | Weight | Alloy | AMW | Issue |
Uncirculated | 38.61 | 28.28 | Cupro-nickel | 1,024,000 | |
Proof Like | 38.61 | 28.28 | Cupro-nickel | 70,000 | |
VIP Proof | 38.61 | 28.28 | Cupro-nickel | Unknown |
Shipping / Handling Cost | Cost For Each Additional Item | Service |
---|---|---|
$3.50 | $1.00 | USPS Media mail (2 to 8 business days) |
$6.00 | $1.00 | USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box (2 to 3 business days) |