Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3066 17 Aug 2018
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Great Britain
George III Proof Pattern Penny 1805-SOHO PR67 NGC, P-1293 (Extremely rare). By William J. Taylor. A stunning mid-19th century piece by William Taylor, produced from the original Soho Mint dies after the mint's closure in 1848. Far from mass-producing his numismatic concoctions, Taylor produced but a handful of each pattern type, few of which can be truthfully dubbed 'restrikes' due to their die-combinations never having been produced prior to Taylor's efforts. This present piece is one such pattern, as no currency Pennies were produced in 1805, and indeed the 1805 dated reverse die is one produced by Taylor himself by modifying an earlier type. Of the few 1805 Pennies in silver he created, the cataloger cannot believe that any extant can match the present specimen for quality, eye-appeal nor grade.
To call this Penny 'pristine' would be an understatement, as that would imply that it had remained exactly as it was when first struck. In terms of its lacking any discernible wear, contact marks or any flaws at all, that is accurate. But it is in its remarkable toning that a great degree of its beauty lies, a toning only achievable over nearly two centuries of slow, natural formation. The obverse field almost appears concave, glossy reflectivity flowing around the matte portrait of George III; truly watery, and when turned in the light electric magentas, cobalts, reds and golds pop out, silhouetting George against the dazzling light display. Indeed, even the frosted portrait of the King has submitted to this magnificent patina, his drapery turning to gold at the base whilst his laureate wreath is a delicate steel-blue. The reverse exhibits a similarly dramatic effect, Britannia almost entirely a blue-magenta in color, the fields endless mirrors. Simply put, a sublime coin, of unsurpassed eye-appeal. We offered the 2 Pence equivalent of this 1805 type in PR66 as part of our January New York INC sale, where it realized $31,200, and anticipate similar excitement over the offering of this marvellous Gem.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 6000-8000 USD
George III Proof Pattern Penny 1805-SOHO PR67 NGC, P-1293 (Extremely rare). By William J. Taylor. A stunning mid-19th century piece by William Taylor, produced from the original Soho Mint dies after the mint's closure in 1848. Far from mass-producing his numismatic concoctions, Taylor produced but a handful of each pattern type, few of which can be truthfully dubbed 'restrikes' due to their die-combinations never having been produced prior to Taylor's efforts. This present piece is one such pattern, as no currency Pennies were produced in 1805, and indeed the 1805 dated reverse die is one produced by Taylor himself by modifying an earlier type. Of the few 1805 Pennies in silver he created, the cataloger cannot believe that any extant can match the present specimen for quality, eye-appeal nor grade.
To call this Penny 'pristine' would be an understatement, as that would imply that it had remained exactly as it was when first struck. In terms of its lacking any discernible wear, contact marks or any flaws at all, that is accurate. But it is in its remarkable toning that a great degree of its beauty lies, a toning only achievable over nearly two centuries of slow, natural formation. The obverse field almost appears concave, glossy reflectivity flowing around the matte portrait of George III; truly watery, and when turned in the light electric magentas, cobalts, reds and golds pop out, silhouetting George against the dazzling light display. Indeed, even the frosted portrait of the King has submitted to this magnificent patina, his drapery turning to gold at the base whilst his laureate wreath is a delicate steel-blue. The reverse exhibits a similarly dramatic effect, Britannia almost entirely a blue-magenta in color, the fields endless mirrors. Simply put, a sublime coin, of unsurpassed eye-appeal. We offered the 2 Pence equivalent of this 1805 type in PR66 as part of our January New York INC sale, where it realized $31,200, and anticipate similar excitement over the offering of this marvellous Gem.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 6000-8000 USD