Heritage World Coin Auctions
CCE Signature Sale 3064 20-21 Apr 2018
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Great Britain
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 UNC Details (Cleaned) NGC, KM508, S-3456. The celebrated "Fine Work" portrait owes its creation to the mintmaster at the time, well-known scientist Isaac Newton. In modernizing the assaying and operations of the Royal Mint, Newton oversaw the engraving of a new portrait to replace the shallow, uninspiring rendition of William III mass-produced since the Great Recoinage of 1696. This new representation of the king was of a level of realism unmatched by any previous British coinage; the lifelike expression on William's face, the delicate treatment of his numerous locks as they fall across his shoulder, an overall level of depth and detail which speaks of considerable care and artistic skill. Needless to say, the type stands in stark contrast to its contemporaries, and remains a jewel in the crown of Five Guineas collections.
Visually outstanding and one of the iconic portraits of the Five Guinea series, this offering is not to be easily matched in quality, even if of a lackluster certification. "Cleaned" can mean so many things when included in grading description but, rest assured, this coin exhibits none of the hairlines from scrubbing, none of the brassy surfaces associated with bad cleaning; indeed, it would appear that what little cleaning occurred was very light, and happened in antiquity. William's bold portrait has survived in all its glory, every sharp detail of his flamboyant depiction intact, evidence of a russet tone beginning to form in the recesses of his hair, and throughout the legend. The reverse shows blazing original luster, and a peach overtone to the crisp, raised devices of the English, Irish, Scottish and French shields. Truly beautiful, a numismatic jewel and a piece which deserves careful in-hand appraisal. It will not disappoint.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 UNC Details (Cleaned) NGC, KM508, S-3456. The celebrated "Fine Work" portrait owes its creation to the mintmaster at the time, well-known scientist Isaac Newton. In modernizing the assaying and operations of the Royal Mint, Newton oversaw the engraving of a new portrait to replace the shallow, uninspiring rendition of William III mass-produced since the Great Recoinage of 1696. This new representation of the king was of a level of realism unmatched by any previous British coinage; the lifelike expression on William's face, the delicate treatment of his numerous locks as they fall across his shoulder, an overall level of depth and detail which speaks of considerable care and artistic skill. Needless to say, the type stands in stark contrast to its contemporaries, and remains a jewel in the crown of Five Guineas collections.
Visually outstanding and one of the iconic portraits of the Five Guinea series, this offering is not to be easily matched in quality, even if of a lackluster certification. "Cleaned" can mean so many things when included in grading description but, rest assured, this coin exhibits none of the hairlines from scrubbing, none of the brassy surfaces associated with bad cleaning; indeed, it would appear that what little cleaning occurred was very light, and happened in antiquity. William's bold portrait has survived in all its glory, every sharp detail of his flamboyant depiction intact, evidence of a russet tone beginning to form in the recesses of his hair, and throughout the legend. The reverse shows blazing original luster, and a peach overtone to the crisp, raised devices of the English, Irish, Scottish and French shields. Truly beautiful, a numismatic jewel and a piece which deserves careful in-hand appraisal. It will not disappoint.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD