Pre-Long Beach Auction #78

Great Britain. Medal Set: Gold, Silver and Golden Alloy, 1936. Edward VIII Medal Set of 3 proof pieces, gold weight 30.2 grams in (18ct) gold (.925) silver and golden alloy, struck by John Pinches in 1936, with accompanying original box. Obverse has crowned portrait of king wearing regalia, EDWARD VIII KING AND EMPEROR. Reverse features view of Westminster Abbey and legend CROWNED IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY MAY 12th 1937. Each has plain edge.
The set is one of only 2 sets made, and an accompanying typed letter (on Pinches embossed note paper) from 1936, explains that 'issue of this design was cancelled due to the King's abdication.' A pencilled note from Ernest Richard Pinches (1874-1950) states that the gold and silver pieces were 'not sent for assay.' The finished precious metal pieces would normally be sent to the London Assay Office for hallmarking. Ironically, this irreplaceable semi-unique set of pattern medals is rarer than the pattern coins which were produced for Edward VIII and which command prices of approximately $30,000 to $600,000 each! NGC graded Proof 64 Ultra Cameo, Proof 65 Ultra Cameo, and Proof 64 Ultra Cameo respectively.

** John Pinches were London medallists with impeccable credentials. Founded by John Pinches (1825-1905) the company took over the engraving business of the Wyon family in the mid - 19th century and the business remained with 4 generations of Pinches until it was sold in 1969. Pinches were contractors to the British Royal Mint, Admiralty and others. They produced the 1887 Spink pattern Crowns, the 1911 Double Florins, Octorinos and Hawaiin patterns for Reginald Huth, and (working closely with the Royal Mint) countless other numismatic rarities.

The start of a new reign in early 1936 led Pinches to prepare dies for medals to celebrate the coronation in 1937, but rumours of the association of King Edward VIII (1894-1972) with American divorcee Mrs Wallis Simpson (1896-1986) were rife after his accession to the throne on the death of his father, George V, in January 1936. After several months, high level political discussions led to the announcement by the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, in the House of Commons on December 10th 1936 that the King would abdicate. The Abdication Act was signed the next day and that evening the King made a moving speech to the nation from Windsor Castle, in which he said 'I found it impossible to discharge my duties as King without the help and support of the woman I love.' All plans for his coronation, some 5 months later, were cancelled and the few remaining coins and medal sets which anticipated this event remain enigmatic and avidly collected rarities.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.