1953 double-florin - pattern?

[UK Decimal +]

I've seen items like this advertised from time to time.   I know little about it except that it was from the Spinks sale in 2001.   I believe that the double-florin was produced in goldtone, silver, and copper - mine is the goldtone version.

Can anyone tell me, please, which mint produced them.   I have also seen other years advertised (1902 and 1935?) and also other denominations.

If from the Royal Mint, would it be described as a model or pattern?   If not from the RM, should it be considered as a fantasy piece?

Any information on these pieces would be of interest.

Thanks in advance,

Bill.

[Figleaf]

The portrait is clearly inspired by the 1968 series, so the date 1953 makes no sense. The reverse is the sort of throwback to styles past I wouldn't expect from the UK mint in 1968 or even in 1953. Therefore, I would trust that this is a fantasy.

Peter

[translateltd]

The initials DRG are the clue.  Donald R. Golder.  Google him.  Also try "INA Retro Series".

A series of mis-named "patterns", better called fantasies.  Low mintages, generally, but produced in so many metal and design variations that that doesn't affect their price much, except among those who think they've stumbled upon something genuinely rare (i.e. genuine AND rare) ...

[Figleaf]

Good clue, Martin. Donald R. Golder is quite a busybeaver. He did fantasy euros as well and they've promptly been promoted to "patterns" also. Very bad taste + false dates + gold = bait for the unaware.

Peter

[UK Decimal +]

Thank you for your comments.

I'm pleased to say that my suspicions are confirmed - I got it on eBay at a very low price as an item of interest rather than expecting a real coin. 

Bill.

[andyg]

Not to worry, it's still much nicer than some genuine modern coins....

(picture from ebay)

[UK Decimal +]

The White Lion?   Surely that's a pub sign, not a coin.

Bill.

[bruce61813]

Here is a link [I hope] to some more of these that I have in my collection. I don't have the Elizabeth II in it. May I 'borrow' your images and add them?

http://www.tantaluscoins.com/coins/grid110.php

Bruce

[UK Decimal +]

No problem, Bruce.

If you need better scans, just send me a private message and I'll see what I can do.

This is the only 'coin' from the series that I have.

Bill.

[RHM22]

I have speculated before that these 'coins' were allowed because there is no denomination listed. Would that be correct?

[andyg]

Sadly not, if you do a search on ebay.uk for 'pattern' you will find all sorts of unofficial reproduction coins, labelled as patterns, one can add various dates such as a 1933 penny or a 1952 halfcrown for relatively little expense.

[translateltd]

Here's a "New Zealand 1937 Edward VIII pattern crown" (nothing of the sort, of course), designed by Golder.  The unwitting have been known to pay hundreds for these on on-line auctions, sadly: