Sovereign Rarities Ltd
Auction 1 25 Sep 2018
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George II (1727-60), gold Two Guineas, 1738, young laureate head left, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, GEORGIVS. II . DEI. GRATIA., rev. crowned quartered shield of arms, seven strings to Irish harp, date either side of top crown, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, M.B.F.ET. H.REX. F.D.B.ET. L.D.S.R.I.AT.ET.E., edge grained, weight 16.79g (Schneider 570/- dies 4/1/A; MCE 291; S.3667B). Attractively toned, with underlying proof-like brilliance, streak of tone on reverse, a superb example of the George II Two Guineas, unusual reverse die with only seven string Irish harp not in Schneider Collection for a 1738 dated piece which is usually seen on 1735 two guinea pieces, a pleasing extremely fine and rare die variety with good provenance, rare.
Provenance:
Ex Capt. K. J. Douglas-Morris, Sotheby, 26th November 1974, lot 60.
Though the Schneider Collection does not have an example with the seven string harp reverse, Herbert Schneider does record this die combination in his February 1957 Spink Numismatic Circular article with only one example being cited in the Dominic Mitchell Collection, though that is not the same example as this piece offered here. It is seemingly a very rare die combination with the reverse having been previously used on the 1735 dated issue.
Provenance:
Ex Capt. K. J. Douglas-Morris, Sotheby, 26th November 1974, lot 60.
Though the Schneider Collection does not have an example with the seven string harp reverse, Herbert Schneider does record this die combination in his February 1957 Spink Numismatic Circular article with only one example being cited in the Dominic Mitchell Collection, though that is not the same example as this piece offered here. It is seemingly a very rare die combination with the reverse having been previously used on the 1735 dated issue.