Lot 529
Victoria (1837-1901), Silver Proof Crown of Five Shillings, 1839. Engraved by William Wyon, young filleted head left, W. WYON. RA raised on truncation, date below, legend and outer toothed border with raised rim surrounding, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA, rev. crowned quartered shield of arms within wreath, emblems below, legend and outer toothed border with raised rim surrounding, BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:, edge plain, weight 28.27g (Bull 2560 R; Davies 430; ESC 279 R; L&S 38; KM.741; S.3882). Attractively toned, with a few blemishes, practically as struck, mint state and rare. Value $15,000 - UP
The 1839 Proof Crown was issued as the largest silver portrait coin, a component for the proof sets of the coinage dated 1839, which included the largest gold coin portrait with the Five Pounds with the Una and the lion reverse. All the coinage was the work of Chief Engraver William Wyon whose name at last appears prominently on the truncation of the young Queen with R.A. after to indicate his membership of the Royal Academy of Arts. The exact mintage of the proof sets of coins dated 1839, which contained this sort of Crown are not exactly known, and apparently it took a number of years to actually sell the stock of the proof sets, but is often quoted as circa 300 sets issued.
The Latin legends translates on obverse as "Victoria by the Grace of God," and on the reverse "Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith."
Ex Sotheby, coins and medals auction, 17th November 2000, lot 579.
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| Realized $34,800 |
