Lot 2240
Great Britain. Pattern Halfcrown, 1715. S.3641; ESC-586 (Rarity 5); KM-PnC34. Plain edge. George I, 1714-1727. Obverse; Portrait of George I. Laureate draped bust right: GEORGIVS D G M BR FR ET HIB REX FD. Reverse; Inverted die axis, crowned cruciform shields, plain in angles. Attractively toned in shades of multi-hued blue and gold.
This is an extremely important Halfcrown, which is hardly ever seen in the highest grades. This piece is superior to the plate coin in the Spink 2019 catalogue, and at the top end of the 5 to 10 specimens which exist. The catalogue value is around $23,000 (£17,500). NGC graded About Uncirculated Details (Obverse Scratched). Estimate Value $10,000 - 12,000
*This pattern was one of the earliest coins minted in this 13 year reign. George I became king in 1714 on the death of Queen Anne. He is one of the least known British monarchs and such reputation as he has is unfavorable. He never learned to speak English properly, and he had a vindictive streak which led him to imprison his wife for thirty years. He also had two hideous mistresses, known in England as 'the Maypole' and the 'Elephant.' But George was not entirely lacking in virtue and as the first king of a line which though it has changed its name still sits on the British throne, he had a unique position in the development of his adopted country.
Until the start of the 18th century, George's main claims to fame were scandalous. In 1682 he dutifully married his cousin Sophia Dorothea in something of an arranged union. It was a disastrous marriage because she was a vivacious and headstrong girl, but apparently lacking in intelligence. She started to console herself with the dashing and unscrupulous Count Philip von Konigsmark who had been appointed a Colonel of the Guards at Herrenhausen. Despite warnings from friends, the two began to flaunt their relationship. In July 1694 Konigsmark mysteriously disappeared. George divorced his wife and forbade her to remarry or see her children again. At the age of 28 she was taken to Ahlden castle, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Soon after he became king, many in Britain wanted the return of the Stuarts. In a blossoming pro-Stuart atmosphere the Jacobites finally raised the standard for 'James III' in Scotland in September 1715. But the important towns of Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow stayed loyal to the 'wee wee German Lairdie' as George was contemptuously described by Scots Jacobites. The Jacobite forces straggled down into England where they were defeated at Preston on 17th November 1715.
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