Lot 522
William III (1694-1702), Silver Proof Crown of Five Shillings, 1696. Third laureate and draped bust right, legend and outer toothed border surrounding, GVLIELMVS. III. DEI. GRA., rev. crowned cruciform shields, shields with indented tops, eight strings to Irish harp, Lion of Nassau at centre, date either side of top crown, legend and outer toothed border surrounding.MAG. BR.FRA. ET.HIB. REX. edge plain, weight 29.57g (Bull 1008 R4; ESC 95 R4; L&S 4; S.3472). Attractively toned, struck a little off-centre and ovoid in shape, otherwise practically as struck, good extremely fine and extremely rare. Value $15,000 - UP
It is interesting to note the unusual shields on the reverses of the first and third bust proofs dated 1696 have indented tops, a precursor of what was to follow from 1697 in currency. The 1695 first bust proof and the pattern or proof second bust Crowns of 1696 have the earlier shield arrangement. The harp depiction is also unique to the proof and in the style of the early harp as used on currency of 1695-96 period, but not the same. The Lion of Nassau has a different pattern of the nine billets surrounding with the head between billets rather than below.
The third bust proof as seen here, maybe rarer than the first bust proofs of 1695 and 1696, as we have not traced another of the third bust for sale in public auction since this actual coin was last sold in the Van Roekel Collection in 2001.
The Latin legends translate as on the obverse "William III by the Grace of God," and abbreviated on the reverse as "King of Great Britain, France and Ireland."
Ex Dr David Rees-Jones Collection, Spink Coin Auction 117, 19th November 1996, lot 138. Ex Edward D. J. Van Roekel Collection, Spink Coin Auction 156; 15th November 2001, lot 159, illustrated on colour plate.
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| Realized $30,000 |
