Sovereign Rarities Ltd
Auction 1 25 Sep 2018
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Anne (1702-14), silver Pre-Union Halfcrown, 1703, VIGO. below first draped bust left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, ANNA.DEI. GRATIA., rev. Pre-Union crowned cruciform shields, eight strings to Irish harp, garter star at centre, date either side of top crown, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, .MAG: BR: FRA. ET. HIB: REG:, edge inscribed in raised letters of upright orientation to obverse, .+ DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI. TERTIO, weight 14.99g (Bull 1358; ESC 569; C&R 579; S.3580). Toned with some flecking both sides and light hairline marks, otherwise almost extremely fine, reverse stronger.
The most intrepid of stories lays behind the capture of the Vigo treasure as opposed to the other companies or privateers who had their mark placed upon the coins in other reigns. The Battle of Vigo Bay occurred on 23rd October 1702 and it was after the Battle that the treasure largely of silver with a tiny proportion of gold, was captured and transported back to Southampton on the south coast of England. From there the treasure was brought with great pomp and ceremony to London, overseen by the Mint Master himself, one Mr Isaac Newton, to then be turned into coinage at the Royal Mint in the Tower of London. The treasure consisted of absolutely thousands of pounds in weight of silver, but a mere seven pounds and eight ounces of gold
Provenance:
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, April 1999, item 1506.
The most intrepid of stories lays behind the capture of the Vigo treasure as opposed to the other companies or privateers who had their mark placed upon the coins in other reigns. The Battle of Vigo Bay occurred on 23rd October 1702 and it was after the Battle that the treasure largely of silver with a tiny proportion of gold, was captured and transported back to Southampton on the south coast of England. From there the treasure was brought with great pomp and ceremony to London, overseen by the Mint Master himself, one Mr Isaac Newton, to then be turned into coinage at the Royal Mint in the Tower of London. The treasure consisted of absolutely thousands of pounds in weight of silver, but a mere seven pounds and eight ounces of gold
Provenance:
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, April 1999, item 1506.