Baldwin’s
this Lavrillier Pattern Penny was sold by Baldwin’s for £72,000 on May 4. The prototype is an important survivor from the famous 1933 story – a pattern coin by engraver André Lavrillier.
The Frenchman’s design was criticised at the time for the unflattering shape of George V’s neck and was ultimately rejected by the Mint. Of the four patterns that were made, one is held in the Royal Mint Museum, while the other three are in private hands.