That proof coining is a tradition that goes back centuries is exemplified in this superb 1774 George III Gold Proof Guinea.

Extraordinary lustre and stunning colour, this is an extremely scarce and spectacular gold proof. The piece has superb detail, brilliant mirror fields and shows extensive die striations from arduous die polishing. Qualities that are the hallmark of proof coining.

It is a fact that collectors of highly historical pieces are a pretty passionate lot.  That this particular coin has only been sold twice over the last 63 years reflects the strong connection that exists between the coin (that is simply breathtaking for quality) and its former owners. 

This piece is a proof striking of a Proclamation coin. As such it is highly historical and extremely important to collectors of early Australiana. Moreover it is rare.

The Guinea was one of many coins that filtered their way into the penal colony of New South Wales and which would eventually be given an official local value by order of Governor Gidley King under the Proclamation of 1800. The guinea was proclaimed as having a local value of £1 2s.