A rare George V penny from 1911 is one of the star lots of Tennants Auctioneers’ Coins, Tokens and Banknotes Sale on 11th August. Dubbed the ‘Hollow Neck’ penny, due to the distinctive indentation to the back of the King’s neck, it will be offered in the sale with an estimate of £2,000-2,500 (plus buyer’s premium).
The Gouby X ‘Hollow Neck’ penny was first discovered by Michael Gouby, numismatist and author of The British Bronze Penny from 1860-1970. It was designed by Edgar Bertram MacKennal, whose initials ‘B.M.’ can be found at the base of the effigy and is one of two types of 1911 penny. In addition to the penny’s distinctive hollow, which is easy to see in reflected light, the rare penny can be identified by the placement of the I in ‘BRITT’ and ‘IMP’, both of which point directly at beads in the border, whereas in other dies the I’s point between the beads.
This very scarce coin is in Good Extremely Fine condition, with a pleasing striated tone.
