Ultra-Rare NumismaticYear: 19521d (Pre-Decimal)

Sell 1952 George VI Bronze Proof Penny

The 1952 George VI bronze proof penny is a unique transitional issue. Learn authentication, realised auction values (£15k–£200k), and why no circulation strikes exist.

Circulated Market Guide

£15,000 – £40,000

Typical UK collector & dealer range for circulated examples

Uncirculated / Graded

£155,000+ (Unique PF64RB example)

Mintage

Unknown (Proof/Specimen Issue)

Weight

9.4g

Composition

Bronze (97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn)

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Market Valuation & Pricing Notes

No circulation strikes exist. All known examples are proof/specimen pieces. Realised auction prices for authenticated specimens range £15,000–£40,000 (MyCoinage, Spink, Baldwin's records). The single known proof penny (PF64RB) was offered at £155,000 by Sovereign Rarities (2022). Media estimates up to £200,000 reflect its unique status as the only 20th-century pre-decimal proof penny. Sales occur exclusively via major numismatic auctions (Spink, Baldwin's, Noonans, Heritage).

Physical Authentication Checkpoints

Our specialists verify these exact specifications when appraising your 1952 George VI Bronze Proof Penny:

Weight: 9.4 g ± 0.1 g (unique proof example: 9.52 g)
Diameter: 30.81 mm
Edge: Plain, sharp, uniform
Obverse legend: GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX FIDEI DEF (no IND:IMP — dropped 1949 onward)
Obverse portrait: George VI modified bare head left by Thomas Humphrey Paget, raised 'HP' initials below truncation
Reverse: Britannia seated right with heraldic shield and trident, crested waves, lighthouse left, date in exergue, legend ONE PENNY
Date integrity: Both digits of '52' must match 1951 die typeface exactly; check for tooling marks parallel to digit edges under 10× magnification
Surface: Proof finish with mirrored fields and frosted devices; struck en médaille (medal alignment)

Coin Specifications

Catalogue ID: GB-1952-GEORGE-VI-BRONZE-PENNY-PROOF
Denomination: 1d (Pre-Decimal)
Issue Year: 1952
Rarity Tier: Ultra-Rare Numismatic
Mintage: Unknown (Proof/Specimen Issue)
Weight: 9.4 grams
Metal Composition: Bronze (97% Cu, 2.5% Zn, 0.5% Sn)

Common Fakes & Variant Confusion

Most common counterfeits are date-altered 1951 pennies (the '1' reworked into a '2') and worn 1932 George V pennies where the '3' resembles a '5'. Altered coins show tooling marks, metal displacement, or incorrect letter spacing under magnification. No circulation 1952 pennies were struck; any 'found in change' claim is virtually certain to be fake or misidentified.

Best Ways to Sell Your 1952 George VI Bronze Proof Penny

Compare liquidation routes in the UK, or sell directly to Finacforce with zero auction commission.

Major Numismatic Auction Houses (Spink, Baldwin's, Noonans, Heritage)

Highest realised prices; expert cataloguing and provenance research; global collector reach. Cons: 15–20% seller's commission; 60–90 day settlement; reserve negotiation required.

Specialist Dealers (Sovereign Rarities, etc.)

Faster sale possible; direct negotiation; dealer may purchase outright. Cons: Lower net price vs. auction hammer; limited buyer pool.

Third-Party Grading Submission (CGS UK, NGC, PCGS) + Auction

Authentication and grade certificate essential for five-figure+ coins; adds credibility and buyer confidence. Cons: Grading fees £30–£60 + shipping/insurance; 4–8 week turnaround.

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