Lot 2393
Great Britain. Pattern 2 Guineas, 1773, by Tanner. George III. S-3724A. WR-80. KM-PN51. R4, extremely rare: just 11-20 pieces known, including those impounded in museum collections. Plain edge. Engraved by Johann Sigismond (John) Tanner, an extremely skilled die-cutter who was nearing the end of his accomplished life when this coin was created. He is famous for his copies of the Cromwell coins. The portrait is right-facing, in high relief, of exquisite style showing the king with long locks (periwig), just 13 years after his reign began. George III would have been 35 years old at the time. The Hanover shield on the reverse side must be seen in its finest presentation on this coin, surrounded by Latin abbreviations of all the king's titles. Coins of this denomination are all extreme rarities, made in just three separate years (1768, 1773 and 1777), never for commerce. They are among the most elegant of all coins ever produced in the British Isles, but this coin also came into existence at an historic point in the Empire, for in the American colonies the Stamp Act of 1764 had caused the first glimmer of discontent among the colonists; the king appointed Lord North minister of his affairs in America in 1770, but he goaded the colonials until fighting began at Lexington in April 1775. One of the most famous acts of disloyalty leading to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War was the Boston Tea Party, which occurred in December 1773. This coin still gleams with luster given to it that same year, and now has taken on a most pleasing reddish gold tone. Only a handful exist, this coin certainly being among the very finest of that meager population. It catalogues for 20,000 Pounds in the 2005 Spink guidebook, which at the time of cataloguing was approximately $40,000. We feel our estimate is conservative; if it sells within that range, it will be a bargain among the gold rarities of the world. Bid accordingly. NGC graded Proof 64.
Estimated Value $32,500 - 37,500.
The Cheshire Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $34,500 |
