St. James's Auctions
Auction 39 30 September 2016
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† Victoria, halfcrown, 1850, young head l., rev. crowned shield of arms within wreath (S.3888; Bull 2733), certified and graded by NGC as Mint State 67, a rare date
The early high relief portrait, a superb gem.
Once in a great while, collectors have a chance to buy a coin that defies probability. The present coin is such an example. The popularity of William Wyon's portrait of the young Victoria, the scarcity of any uncirculated examples of this early series, coupled with the difficulty of finding the 1850 halfcrown even in well circulated condition, make the appearance of any uncirculated 1850 a special occasion. However, the eye appeal and unparalleled state of preservation of the present coin boosts this offering into uncharted territory. Simply stated, there is almost certainly no other comparable example and, as this coin has not been sold in the last 22 years, it is very difficult to assign it a value. It is worth whatever it brings.
Given that coins issued for everyday spending were not afforded any special care in manufacture or in the marketplace, it is little short of a miracle that this 1850 survived in such splendid condition. To put these sentiments into a numerical context, in over 25 years, a total of just four uncirculated examples of the 1850 have been graded including PCGS and NGC. The top coins are one MS65 and then this coin, the only MS67, the finest graded and most probably the finest known of this date. Moreover, from 1816 to 1901, NGC has graded only two halfcrowns at MS67, this coin and an 1844, a much, much more common date.
This early series of halfcrowns struck by the Royal Mint and carrying the delicate and beautiful high relief portrait of their beloved young Victoria were happily embraced by the British public from the start. The extent of their popularity is attested to by the fact, mentioned earlier, that most halfcrowns of this series have come down to us heavily worn.
With beautiful green-gold toning on the obverse, and reddish-brown toning on the reverse, the present coin shimmers in the hand and exudes originality. One hundred and sixty-six years after its issue, this is a chance to own a true icon that is so uniquely representative of a bygone age in British history, that it may ultimately find repose in a museum and be forever lost to the collecting fraternity. This opportunity may never come again! (£7500-8500)
The early high relief portrait, a superb gem.
Once in a great while, collectors have a chance to buy a coin that defies probability. The present coin is such an example. The popularity of William Wyon's portrait of the young Victoria, the scarcity of any uncirculated examples of this early series, coupled with the difficulty of finding the 1850 halfcrown even in well circulated condition, make the appearance of any uncirculated 1850 a special occasion. However, the eye appeal and unparalleled state of preservation of the present coin boosts this offering into uncharted territory. Simply stated, there is almost certainly no other comparable example and, as this coin has not been sold in the last 22 years, it is very difficult to assign it a value. It is worth whatever it brings.
Given that coins issued for everyday spending were not afforded any special care in manufacture or in the marketplace, it is little short of a miracle that this 1850 survived in such splendid condition. To put these sentiments into a numerical context, in over 25 years, a total of just four uncirculated examples of the 1850 have been graded including PCGS and NGC. The top coins are one MS65 and then this coin, the only MS67, the finest graded and most probably the finest known of this date. Moreover, from 1816 to 1901, NGC has graded only two halfcrowns at MS67, this coin and an 1844, a much, much more common date.
This early series of halfcrowns struck by the Royal Mint and carrying the delicate and beautiful high relief portrait of their beloved young Victoria were happily embraced by the British public from the start. The extent of their popularity is attested to by the fact, mentioned earlier, that most halfcrowns of this series have come down to us heavily worn.
With beautiful green-gold toning on the obverse, and reddish-brown toning on the reverse, the present coin shimmers in the hand and exudes originality. One hundred and sixty-six years after its issue, this is a chance to own a true icon that is so uniquely representative of a bygone age in British history, that it may ultimately find repose in a museum and be forever lost to the collecting fraternity. This opportunity may never come again! (£7500-8500)