Lot 2233
Great Britain. Silver Shilling, 1693. William & Mary. S-3437. 9/0 variety in date. Conjoined busts facing right. At the top of the rarity list, among all milled silver coins, ranking perhaps #1 and #2 of all types, are the crowns and shillings of this dual monarchy. The cataloguer has seen one legitimate Uncirculated crown in 25 years, but not a single shilling. The finest seem to have at least a touch of wear, which is the case here. Just a hint of actual wear, but "hard" luster, toned an enchanting mauve and bluish gray. Strike is excellent, but the dies clashed, showing impressed elements of each side's design on the other side. There are no marks or any other "distractions," and if this coin were Uncirculated it would have to be called 63 or 64 for its qualities. Indeed, a lot of late 17th-century luster remains beneath the toning!
Few cataloguers have commented on the intricate reverse design of this classic of English numismatics. In the fields between the quadrants of the shield are inter-linked "W" and "M" initials, a feature unique to this monarchy; the date is placed concentrically around the center device, each digit one that could only have been formed at this time in history; and finally the lion standing in miniature on its two hind feet, at the reverse center, is within a disconnected cartouche that is meant to stand for a shield, and on this shield are tiny squares, themselves standing for the shields of the royal household. Thus we have insignia, shields on a shield within the quadrants of a larger shield, regal titles in Latin, a dual monarchy, and great rarity all on one "simple" shilling: as good as it gets, really, in an English coin! NGC graded AU-55.
Estimated Value $2,350 - 2,850.
The Cheshire Collection.
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| Realized $2,070 |
