1934 marked the third year
proof
coins would be struck at the Melbourne mint for collectors. Fifty
sets were prepared for New Zealand coin dealer H. G. Williams
(Verheyen, T, V, 2009)
, it is unclear whether any more sets were produced as mint
records don't indicate any direct sales to the public. H. G. Williams on sold these sets in a 1936 price list cover for
6/6, interestingly described as mint state as opposed to
proof
as with the New Zealand Waitangi Crown
(Verheyen, T, V, 2009)
. This is perhaps because they were described as
specimen
coins by the Melbourne mint, but they were certainly produced
from specially prepared
dies
and did not endure the handling process, enough to classify them as
proof, but minute imperfections are often found, in particular on the larger denominations indicating that the
care taken in their manufacture was limited. Whether they were ever intended to be
proof
or
specimen
coins is uncertain, but they are certainly different from regular business strikes and command
strong premiums accordingly. The
proof
1934 threepence features a mirror reverse finish with a frosted