Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3061 7-8 Jan 2018
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Great Britain
George III silver "Incorrupta" Proof Pattern Crown 1817 PR66 NGC, KM-PnI77, L&S-159, ESC-2029 (R4). Yet another masterpiece from William Wyon, this design not as heralded as the "Three Graces" pattern offered in the previous lot, but special in its execution nonetheless, and also quite a bit rarer, with a mintage reported at only 25 copies in silver. For this pattern, the bust of George III is distinctly larger than on its counterpart, and the engraving technique is noticeably differentiated as well. Upon close inspection, George's bust is completed with micro-dotting, similar to, but significantly more refined than the Oliver Cromwell crown that was produced over 150 years earlier. In doing this, greater dimensionality in George's bust is imparted, with lifelike perspective in the rounding of George's cheek, his crown of laurels as well as the elegant drape that sits at his neckline. This "fine" style was also translated to the outer peripheries, with the same stippling technique emboldening the legends on both sides. On the reverse, a standard crowned shield is portrayed in the centers, while the motto from which this crown is popularly named reads, "INCORRUPTA FIDES VERITASQUE", translating literally to, "An Untarnished Faith". Perhaps intentionally obtuse in its usage, the meaning has often been interpreted as a patriotic one aimed at confirming the country's continued faith in a King who had long suffered major illness, and was thought mad by some, but had brought the country out of the many decades of miliary conflict. Although certainly the intended interpretation, some believe this motto also had personal meaning to Wyon, who had in 1815 been passed up by the Royal Mint for the position of the mint's Chief Engraver. Wherever the intent actually resides, the slogan's boldness has long fascinated numismatists.
Of those graded from the minuscule original mintage, this coin is presently the single finest certified, with no other PR66s existing in either the NGC or PCGS population reports. Undeniably of superb quality, the fields of this crown gleam with smooth reflectivity, and a cameo appearance results from the frost atop George's bust. On both sides, entirely original tone adorns the surfaces, with flares of antique-gold and blue residing in the obverse fields and more unform grays appearing on the reverse. Upon arm's length inspection, essentially no instances of contact appear, a quality that certainly distances this coin from others. Altogether magnificent, this crown is worthy of placement alongside the most celebrated treasures in all of British numismatics.
Ex. Strickland Neville Rofle Collection (Baldwin's 5/2010 - Lot 1405)
From the Cape Coral Collection of British Crowns
HID02901242017
Estimate: 60000-90000 USD
George III silver "Incorrupta" Proof Pattern Crown 1817 PR66 NGC, KM-PnI77, L&S-159, ESC-2029 (R4). Yet another masterpiece from William Wyon, this design not as heralded as the "Three Graces" pattern offered in the previous lot, but special in its execution nonetheless, and also quite a bit rarer, with a mintage reported at only 25 copies in silver. For this pattern, the bust of George III is distinctly larger than on its counterpart, and the engraving technique is noticeably differentiated as well. Upon close inspection, George's bust is completed with micro-dotting, similar to, but significantly more refined than the Oliver Cromwell crown that was produced over 150 years earlier. In doing this, greater dimensionality in George's bust is imparted, with lifelike perspective in the rounding of George's cheek, his crown of laurels as well as the elegant drape that sits at his neckline. This "fine" style was also translated to the outer peripheries, with the same stippling technique emboldening the legends on both sides. On the reverse, a standard crowned shield is portrayed in the centers, while the motto from which this crown is popularly named reads, "INCORRUPTA FIDES VERITASQUE", translating literally to, "An Untarnished Faith". Perhaps intentionally obtuse in its usage, the meaning has often been interpreted as a patriotic one aimed at confirming the country's continued faith in a King who had long suffered major illness, and was thought mad by some, but had brought the country out of the many decades of miliary conflict. Although certainly the intended interpretation, some believe this motto also had personal meaning to Wyon, who had in 1815 been passed up by the Royal Mint for the position of the mint's Chief Engraver. Wherever the intent actually resides, the slogan's boldness has long fascinated numismatists.
Of those graded from the minuscule original mintage, this coin is presently the single finest certified, with no other PR66s existing in either the NGC or PCGS population reports. Undeniably of superb quality, the fields of this crown gleam with smooth reflectivity, and a cameo appearance results from the frost atop George's bust. On both sides, entirely original tone adorns the surfaces, with flares of antique-gold and blue residing in the obverse fields and more unform grays appearing on the reverse. Upon arm's length inspection, essentially no instances of contact appear, a quality that certainly distances this coin from others. Altogether magnificent, this crown is worthy of placement alongside the most celebrated treasures in all of British numismatics.
Ex. Strickland Neville Rofle Collection (Baldwin's 5/2010 - Lot 1405)
From the Cape Coral Collection of British Crowns
HID02901242017
Estimate: 60000-90000 USD