The First of its Name

A 1951 Plain Edge proof crown is finally graded by NGC

Plain Jane

On the face of it the 1951 Plain Edge proof crown does not appear all too different to its proof-like counterparts issued in quaint red and green square boxes to celebrate The Festival of Britain. At a glance its extremely similar but look at the details and it is apparent this is a very special piece.

PF not PL

As has been noted by anyone keen on the 1951 series the crowns graded from singular square boxes as well as from 'proof' sets are graded PL or proof-like. The plain edge variant is different, this is grade PF or proof. It has strikingly sharp details with a square rim. Placed side by side with a proof-like crown the subtle differences reveal themselves. This particular coin is an error of sorts, it was never intended to be produced and as such is, to date, the only recorded specimen to be sold in the world.

Collarless

Although it may seem like a simple mistake, the absence of an incused collar die puts this coin into a realm entirely of its own. The collar ought to read MDCCCLI CIVIUM INDUSTRIA FLORET CIVITAS. This is true for the Matte (ESC 393D) and VIP (393E) proof crowns too. When the coin was struck the collar die simply wasnt inserted into the press and as such the coin was struck onto an unedged blank. Bull rates this coin as a R4 indicating 11-20 examples exist. In 71 years this is the only one to be publicly sold and graded so if you do come across another we are always in the market for adding another to our collection.

Modern Rarity

In collecting terms the 1951 crown is not the most popular at present. It has a niche of fans, however, the variants surrounding this release are sure to excite any crown collector. Alongside the Plain Edge variant there are also Matte Proof and VIP Proof crowns from 1951 which we will discuss at a later date. As more and more collectors look to classic numismatics for a safer area of collecting in terms of market volatility and price data it is pieces like this which will really shine through. When NGC has to add a new entry to the census you one knows that it must be of the highest rarity.