An all-important offer of a three-coin set comprised of the 1937 Florin, 1937 Shilling and 1937 Threepence

There is a political advantage to depicting major events on coins that Governments are very much aware of. Its political advertising on a daily basis, a subtle mechanism for boasting a Government's achievements. Later on, it becomes a way of preserving history.

The opening of Canberra's Parliament House in 1927. The celebration of fifty years since Federation, in 1951. The Royal Visit in 1954. To name but three!

Very public commemorations that were recorded on our currency.

But, not every moment becomes a 'currency' event. In fact, great historical eras in Australia’s history might have gone unnoticed without our Pattern coinage.

So, what is a ‘pattern’ coin?

Pattern coins are test pieces, coins that were struck by the mints to obtain government approval or to assess public reaction. For various reasons, the coins never went into production so they represent what ‘might have been’.

And they are critical to presenting a nation’s complete history. They essentially fill in the gaps.

Their extreme popularity with collectors relates to their scarcity. They are amongst Australia’s rarest coins.

Consider the Patterns of 1937, coins that were produced with brand new Australian designs at the Royal Mint London.

The florin, shilling and threepence were up for revision and the Royal Mint produced prototypes of each of them.

The florin was struck depicting a revised Australian Coat of Arms. The threepence was struck featuring the three ears of wheat and the merino ram’s head became the feature design of the shilling. The prime focus of the new designs was to impart a strong national identity.

The decision not to produce any circulating coinage in 1937 (with the exception of a five shillings) conferred a super star status on all the 1937 Pattern coins.

George VI (Edward VIII), Royal Mint London, 1937 Pattern Florin, the obverse having been officially tooled off by the Mint.

Price - $85,000

FDC, rich light original tone and brilliant mirror reverse surfaces.

Presented at the Royal Mint in 1954 to Gilbert Heyde by H G Stride.

Ex G C Heyde Collection, part III lot 355 • Spink Auctions March 1988, lot 1161 • Noble Numismatics March 1996, lot 1540 • Private Collection Sydney.

One of the finest of five believed held in private hands. The 1937 Florin is a great rarity, launching Australia's new Coat of Arms design.

George VI (Edward VIII), Royal Mint London, 1937 Pattern Shilling,  the obverse having been officially tooled off by the Mint

FDC, with light toning on the reverse

Price - $75,000

Ex Lord Casey, Australia Governor-General, 22 September 1965 to 30 April 1969 • Australian Coin Auctions Sale 280 October 2002, lot 787 • Private Collection Sydney

A great rarity and a high quality example, this 1937 shilling is one of seven believed held in private hands.

This 1937 Shillings has been brilliantly preserved, the surfaces magnificent and reflective. The shillings are notoriously tough to find in reasonable quality, auction records revealing that at least one of the privately held examples is stained and another badly cleaned.

George VI (Edward VIII), Royal Mint London, 1937 Pattern Threepence,  the obverse having been officially tooled off by the Mint

About FDC

Price - $75,000

Ex Lord Casey, Australia Governor-General, 22 September 1965 to 30 April 1969 • Australian Coin Auctions Sale 280 October 2002, lot 785 • Private Collection Sydney

The threepence is the absolute key coin in this set for only three are believed held in private hands.