Lot 2601
Great Britain. 'Fine Work' 5 Guineas, 1701. S-3456; Fr-310; KM-508. William III, 1694-1702. Second Bust type ('fine work'). Laureate head of William right. Reverse: Crowned cruciform shields with plain sceptres, no stops after MAG, FRA or HIB, lettered edge reads +DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI.DECIMO. TERITO +. Sharply struck example with fine hair detail. The 'Fine Work' gold coins of William III are among the most spectacular of the period. Surfaces are prooflike and gleaming with luster.
Historical note: No one is certain why this magnificent style was created and struck only in this one year. The quality of the engraving is simply marvelous to behold, and it causes this issue to stand out among gold coins much as the U.S. High Relief $20 gold coin of 1907 does, as something truly special. By contrast, the reason for the creation of the U.S. coin is well known. Perhaps William's lavish, wigged portrait was intended as an artist's tribute to the king's personal passions, which included stylish furniture design. The year 1701, however, is significant in English history: it was the year of the Act of Settlement, passed by Parliament to assure a peaceful transition of monarchial power, as William and Mary produced no heir. The "Fine Work" portrait appears on other gold coins of 1701, but perhaps none is so fine, so utterly captivating, as the massive 5-Guineas piece. NGC graded MS-62.
Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000.
Ex: Eli Wallit Coll. lot 383. Morton & Eden 12/11/2003; The "Sylvia" Collection, through Mark Rasmussen by private treaty.
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| Realized $28,750 |
