Lot 2323
Great Britain. Gold Proof Half Guinea, 1728. George II. Young laureate bust. S-3681. WR-75. Plain edge. R4, 11-20 known. Extremely rare, a Proof of Record (intended for museum collections) of this, the first year struck in the new style, and the first half guinea of this king. A nice choice coin, struck in high relief as only a Proof could be, the tasteful portrait of the king in moderate cameo relief against reflective fields, all with a delicate orange-peel texture enjoyed only by gold Proofs. Interestingly, hammered gold was still seen occasionally in circulation in England during this year, being finally demonetized in 1733. Another perspective adds to the allure of the coinage of this era: it was the height of the days of pirates and buccaneers, some scoundrels outside the law and some unofficially in the employ of nations, sent to plunder treasure from ships at sea, to enrich both themselves (every sailor would get a "cut" of the bounty taken from any enemy vessel) and their homeland treasury. The gold used to mint this wonderful coin could, in fact, have been part of some such captured loot. Thus, out of high adventure, could come an elegant artistic "statement" of its era, like this gleaming gold Proof! Only a handful exist in all states of preservation. NGC graded Proof 63.
Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000.
The Cheshire Collection.
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