Lot 2480
Great Britain. Copper Twopence, 1797. George III. Soho Mint. S-3776. The classic "cartwheel" and largest copper coin ever issued by Great Britain. Never, before the innovations of Boulton and Watt at their Soho Mint in Birmingham, had anyone managed to strike such a massive coin of nearly pure copper, inside a collar that contained the coin and in effect created an anti-counterfeiting masterpiece. Russia's big coppers come to mind as similar coins, of the same era, but they are crude by comparison, with far different and less effective edges. This coin is quite literally the ultimate numismatic expression of the triumph in metal of the Industrial Revolution in England. It was struck just one year in this style (though in 1805 patterns were struck of the so-called Third Issue). Each year, this coin has grown in popularity worldwide for its distinctive qualities and visual appeal. It was made in huge numbers, by the ton, and continued in circulation through the Victorian Era, when it was in use as "bus fare"; piles were shoveled each day from trolley cars, accounting for the big edge and surface marks seen on most circulated examples. This use or circulation continued for at least a century, and high-grade coins are today fairly rare. This one is sensibly rated by NGC as a 63 but underestimated by them for its luster (NGC insert only; coin too large for slabbing, so it is not in plastic). It's a lovely Choice Red & Brown Uncirculated, with more than the usual quotient of mint red luster remaining, though it's mostly medium brown. Sharp strike. Exceptional. Coins of this caliber, with this much red luster, have been bringing more than our top estimate in recent auctions, sometimes a lot more. NGC graded MS-63 Brown.
Estimated Value $850 - 1,000.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $2,520 |
