Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3071 6-7 Jan 2019
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Great Britain
George III gold Proof Pattern 1/3 Guinea 1776 PR63 NGC, W&R-137 (R3). A gorgeous coin, the first to feature the lion-atop-crown design which, although here unadopted, proceeded to be used for the Shillings of George IV, Edward VII and George V (additionally the Sixpences of the former and latter). This denomination was proposed due to the late 18th century metallic turmoil in Great Britain - silver was undervalued domestically whilst gold was overvalued, pushing silver coinage abroad and keeping gold in circulation. Accordingly, far more gold coinage was produced than silver, an imbalance which necessitated the splitting up of the Guinea into smaller denominations. The Third Guinea was eventually introduced 21 years after the production of this pattern in 1797, but had nowhere near as enticing or carefully-performed design as is featured on the present offering. Its fields mirrored with pleasing die polish lines, the planchet imbued with a warm sunlit tone; George's portrait is lightly frosted, giving a slight cameo effect in contrast to the reflective surfaces. The reverse is perhaps finer still, dynamic design as sharp and bold as when first struck, reddish toning gracing the peripheries. A pattern which combines both rarity and eye appeal, and serves as representation of a trying time in Britain's economy.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 4000-6000 USD
George III gold Proof Pattern 1/3 Guinea 1776 PR63 NGC, W&R-137 (R3). A gorgeous coin, the first to feature the lion-atop-crown design which, although here unadopted, proceeded to be used for the Shillings of George IV, Edward VII and George V (additionally the Sixpences of the former and latter). This denomination was proposed due to the late 18th century metallic turmoil in Great Britain - silver was undervalued domestically whilst gold was overvalued, pushing silver coinage abroad and keeping gold in circulation. Accordingly, far more gold coinage was produced than silver, an imbalance which necessitated the splitting up of the Guinea into smaller denominations. The Third Guinea was eventually introduced 21 years after the production of this pattern in 1797, but had nowhere near as enticing or carefully-performed design as is featured on the present offering. Its fields mirrored with pleasing die polish lines, the planchet imbued with a warm sunlit tone; George's portrait is lightly frosted, giving a slight cameo effect in contrast to the reflective surfaces. The reverse is perhaps finer still, dynamic design as sharp and bold as when first struck, reddish toning gracing the peripheries. A pattern which combines both rarity and eye appeal, and serves as representation of a trying time in Britain's economy.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 4000-6000 USD