Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3066 17 Aug 2018
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Great Britain
George III silver "Hercules" Proof Pattern Crown 1820 PR65 PCGS, ESC-2057 (R5), L&S-211. By J P Droz after Monneron's 1792 pattern by Dupré. An incredible Gem specimen of extreme rarity, every detail razor sharp, handsomely toned, and of a unique expression within the Crown series. Its Swiss engraver, Jeanne-Pierre Droz, had been an employee of the Soho Mint until a falling out with Matthew Boulton, after which he left for the Paris Mint and went on to design many of the Napoleonic medals produced during the period of c1800-1815, a series renowned for its wonderful neoclassical imagery. Clearly, Droz maintained his appreciation for this artistic style in his pattern for George III's Crown bearing the Classical Hero Hercules.
It is interesting that, rather than create his own reverse design, Droz copied a smaller-sized French pattern of 1792 by Augustin Dupré, as several elements of this original revolution-era design have not translated well on this Crown pattern. Whereas the 1792 pattern represents Hercules breaking the royal scepter as a clear symbol of the overthrow of monarchy in revolutionary France, we now see the Hero breaking a fasces of sticks, an action whose purpose is somewhat unclear. Additionally, Droz's decision to keep the design on this Crown the same size as on the original 1792 pattern of just 32mm has led to the featuring of a disproportionately large exergue on the reverse. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the engraver has boldly chosen to omit the portrait of George III (or George IV to whom this pattern is sometimes attributed), a numismatic stride not seen since the Commonwealth coinage of 1649-60.
The enigma of Droz's artistic choices notwithstanding, this pattern is undeniably beautiful, captivating the viewer with its highly unusual and dynamic devices. Masterfully incised, not one millimeter of this coin remains static, variation and depth observable on even the facial expressions of the individuals within the reverse shield. Hercules is exceedingly boldly represented, the Nemean lion's pelt draped underneath him to a high degree of realisim, strain evident on his forehead as he struggles to snap the bundle of sticks he is holding. Produced to an outstanding high standard, every element of the design crisp and pristine, argent gray in the fields and its devices cloaked with an iridescent patina. Impactful in every regard, in its rarity, unique style, engraving quality and remarkable preservation, this is a premium piece befitting solely a premium collection. The scratches seen on the obverse are in fact on the green label PCGS holder.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 50000-60000 USD
George III silver "Hercules" Proof Pattern Crown 1820 PR65 PCGS, ESC-2057 (R5), L&S-211. By J P Droz after Monneron's 1792 pattern by Dupré. An incredible Gem specimen of extreme rarity, every detail razor sharp, handsomely toned, and of a unique expression within the Crown series. Its Swiss engraver, Jeanne-Pierre Droz, had been an employee of the Soho Mint until a falling out with Matthew Boulton, after which he left for the Paris Mint and went on to design many of the Napoleonic medals produced during the period of c1800-1815, a series renowned for its wonderful neoclassical imagery. Clearly, Droz maintained his appreciation for this artistic style in his pattern for George III's Crown bearing the Classical Hero Hercules.
It is interesting that, rather than create his own reverse design, Droz copied a smaller-sized French pattern of 1792 by Augustin Dupré, as several elements of this original revolution-era design have not translated well on this Crown pattern. Whereas the 1792 pattern represents Hercules breaking the royal scepter as a clear symbol of the overthrow of monarchy in revolutionary France, we now see the Hero breaking a fasces of sticks, an action whose purpose is somewhat unclear. Additionally, Droz's decision to keep the design on this Crown the same size as on the original 1792 pattern of just 32mm has led to the featuring of a disproportionately large exergue on the reverse. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the engraver has boldly chosen to omit the portrait of George III (or George IV to whom this pattern is sometimes attributed), a numismatic stride not seen since the Commonwealth coinage of 1649-60.
The enigma of Droz's artistic choices notwithstanding, this pattern is undeniably beautiful, captivating the viewer with its highly unusual and dynamic devices. Masterfully incised, not one millimeter of this coin remains static, variation and depth observable on even the facial expressions of the individuals within the reverse shield. Hercules is exceedingly boldly represented, the Nemean lion's pelt draped underneath him to a high degree of realisim, strain evident on his forehead as he struggles to snap the bundle of sticks he is holding. Produced to an outstanding high standard, every element of the design crisp and pristine, argent gray in the fields and its devices cloaked with an iridescent patina. Impactful in every regard, in its rarity, unique style, engraving quality and remarkable preservation, this is a premium piece befitting solely a premium collection. The scratches seen on the obverse are in fact on the green label PCGS holder.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 50000-60000 USD