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Sale 31
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Lot 2231
Great Britain. Silver Crown, 1692/2. Last "2" of date over inverted "2." William & Mary, jugate busts. S-3433. Edge not readable in the slab but probably "QVARTO" as NGC has attributed it as ESC-84. This dual monarchy produced the rarest coins of their century, with crowns struck in only two years, 1691 and 1692. This curious "overdate" is rated R3, extremely rare, by ESC's Alan Rayner. The cataloguer has seen perhaps two truly Uncirculated examples of this crown, over a period of 25 years. Any grade close to MS is also very, very rare. Here we have a wonderfully preserved example, one of the finest to be found in terms of eye appeal. Small abrasions only; nice rims with one small depression near "HI" on reverse (looks like the form of the planchet, not a bump). The strike is even and excellent, all major details well defined, only a few letters of the legends showing any softness of impression. Luster remains evident beneath bright, medium blue-gray toning. All in all, this coin enjoys exceptional detail, and is unusually attractive. A most impressive representation of this rare coinage type! NGC graded AU-53.
This wonderful crown, and the others of this era, are mementos of a fascinating period in British history, when the Churchill family came to prominence and the unwritten constitution faced a series of challenges involving succession. In the mid-1680s, King James II revealed his allegiance to Catholicism and the ancient "battle" over religion in England resumed, to the general distress. Several years of chaos ensued, ending in the king's exile to France and, in effect, an empty throne. It is known to history as the Bloodless Revolution. Parliament searched for a blood heir to majesty and found Prince William of Orange, a tiny principality near Avignon. He was nephew of both Charles II and James II. He had visited England since 1670 and was keenly aware of his English lineage. In 1677 he had married Mary, daughter of James II, who in fact had objected to the marriage as it was a Protestant alliance but accepted it as politically advantageous to him at the time. When England found itself with its throne empty, the Dutch prince "invaded" English shores but was more welcomed than challenged, for the pair were discovered to be ideal, healing the nation of religious difficulties by the return of Protestantism. Mary was back home, though married to a man whom the British nicknamed "the little Dutchman" after his short stature and taciturn disposition. They ruled largely in name, for the age of politics had arrived in England and decisions were made by Parliament and whispers in privileged ears. William came to miss his former home but the British, French and Dutch were at war and so visits became impossible. Mary died of smallpox in 1694, which took a further toll on the king's poor health. It became apparent that the Princess Anne, pushed aside during the Bloodless Revolution as niece of Chares II, would become the next monarch, and this became reality when William's horse stumbled over a mole-hill while the king was riding at Hampton Court in February 1702. He broke his collar-bone and expired within two weeks. Anne claimed the throne that should have been hers in 1689 but she was not adept at the new politics and relied upon the advice of Sarah and John Churchill to act as figurehead of the nation. Her health was also poor and at first she was not popular, but she vowed to the people to preserve the Church of England and slowly gained acceptance until the great victory was won at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, under the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. The Churchill family was rewarded with a great estate, but court animosities ended the queen's friendship with them. Peace came with France at long last, political union occurred with Scotland in 1707, and the queen's marriage to Prince George of Denmark was generally happy, but poor Queen Anne suffered illnesses caused by extreme overweight, lost her husband in 1708, and experienced the worst fate of any parent, the death of each of her numerous children. Her reign is remembered as glorious and golden, an age of plenty and victory. With her died an era, the Stuart line, and the remnant power of monarchy.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $5,290 |
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