Lot 1955
Great Britain. Pattern Shilling, 1787. George III. ESC-1241. Plain edge. Border of dots on each side. Regular Proofs are seen with some frequency in the London sales rooms, but most of them that pass through the auctions, and then dealers' hands, are impaired. This stands to reason, considering the traditional method of storing coins in England, in trays with wood bases, sometimes felt-covered. Even today, it's normal to see dealers and collectors in the UK holding Proofs roughly, rubbing surfaces with fingers. Such practices have caused the vast majority of British Proofs, and "Uncirculated" coins as well, to acquire, at the very least, loads of hairlines and contaminants which have spoiled their surfaces. The present coin is rarer than the usual Proof and is also one of the few truly well-preserved examples this cataloguer has seen. Superb Choice Proof, richly toned with silvery gray surfaces that are almost flawless. A charming coin! Purchased for study purposes. PCGS graded Proof 64.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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| Realized $978 |
