Lot 457
Great Britain. Proof Halfcrown, 1864. S-3888. Victoria, 1837-1901. Young Head left. Reverse: Crowned shield within filleted laurel wreath; rose, shamrock and thistle spray below. Reeded edge. Gem Proof with elegant and original, bright silvery "aluminum foil" surfaces, the reverse having a delicate golden blue iridescence. Only a few examples exist in all states of condition, and this one is most probably the finest known. NGC graded Proof 65.
Following the 1840s, and ending with 1850, no halfcrowns were minted for currency use in England until 1874, but Proofs are known of the years 1850, 1862 and 1864 (plus of course the 1853, made for the rare set of that year). This coin is extremely rare: a Proof-only date (Proof of Record) struck for deposit in the foundation stone of the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, and also a few pieces were struck for sale to museum collections. The cataloguer has always felt this coin was flawless and finer than "65."
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
Ex Dr Jacob Y. Terner Collection.
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| Realized $16,675 |
