Great Britain
Victoria Proof Pattern Shilling 1875 PR65 PCGS, ESC-3134 (R6). Engraved by Wyon and Pistrucci. Reeded edge, struck en medaille. One of the rarest pattern Shillings produced under Victoria with only 3 or 4 pieces known, combining Wyon's coroneted depiction of Victoria with Pistrucci's iconic scene of St. George slaying the dragon. Bearing no mark of denomination, this piece bears an equal chance of being a pattern for a Sovereign struck in silver, akin to the pattern Half Sovereign also offered in this sale. Simply captivating, this specimen displays a magnificent bichrome patina of deep cobalt and seafoam green, the devices a darker gray but highlighted a deep blue within the recesses. Produced during a particularly active period of experimentation by both the Royal Mint and independent engravers, a period which produced several mysterious and scantly documented patterns. Incredibly we had the opportunity to offer another example of this type in our January 2014 New York auction where it realized $23,500, and this wonderful piece will likely generate comparable interest amongst specialist collectors of British patterns.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 14000-18000 USD