Two rare Irish pattern coins designed in the 1920’s by Italian sculptor Publio Morbiducci for the competition to select new money for the Irish Free State in 1927 made double their estimates at a Dix Noonan Webb auction in London this month. The pattern half crown, estimated at £4,000-5,000 sold for £13,200. A three pence piece estimated at £2,800-3,200 sold for £7,200. The bronze coins were designed by Morbiducci (1889-1963) as part of his successful entry in the competition. Pattern coins are not approved for release. They are produced for the purpose of evaluating a proposed design. These one were struck by Milanese medallists Lorioli Castelli. It is not known how many survived.
An Irish pattern half crown.
An Irish pattern threepence