Lot 2116
Great Britain. Halfcrown, 1551. Edward VI, equestrian. S-2479. Fine-silver issue of 1551-53, the last coins of this short reign and the very first dated English halfcrown. "Y" mintmark. Sharply struck in all areas of both sides, on a large flan of excellent originality, dark gray with a hint of purple. Superior flan in all respects, with the tiniest edge crack at about 6 o'clock obverse, but no scratches or marks worth noting. The details of the horseman are exceptional! All in all, a really stunning example of this important issue; most halfcrowns of this type show up in Fine or slightly better grade, but nothing like the quality of this gorgeous coin. In fact, in recent years, the only comparable specimen was in the Slaney Collection (Spink, May 2003). The Cheshire owner feels his specimen, this lot, is slightly more attractive than the Slaney piece, but whatever your individual decision might be on this topic the fact remains that the two are in the running for one of the finest known, of Britain's first dated halfcrowns, and the Slaney coin is not available to be purchased. This coin is one of those opportunities we have commented on, elsewhere in this sale, about the chance to acquire being rarer than the money needed to buy. NGC graded AU-58.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $15,000 |
