Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3071 6-7 Jan 2019
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Great Britain
George II gold 5 Guineas 1729 MS64 PCGS, KM571.1, S-3663. The first year of issue for George II's 5 Guinea piece, 1729 heralded the production of two types for this denomination: the present 'plain' variety, and the perhaps better-known East India Company (E.I.C.) variety. Whilst the E.I.C. type is ever-popular amongst collectors, comparatively little thought is given to the present type--largely due to its scarcity and smaller presence at auction. Whereas a total of forty-five E.I.C. 5 Guineas have been seen by either NGC or PCGS, only thirteen plain 1729 examples have been graded, a testament to their higher rarity. And, of this total of fifty-eight specimens dated 1729, the present offering represents the single-highest graded at MS64. Indeed, 64 is the grade cap for all 5 Guineas graded by NGC or PCGS of any monarch, with only one MS64★ topping the rankings (a 1741/38, also offered in this sale). This is because although rare in circulation, the frequent use of 5 Guineas in bank transactions almost always leads to prominent bag marks disguising the quality. Accordingly, to find a survivor such as this is truly exceptional. Immaculate surfaces positively glowing with mint luster, the strike exquisite with George's portrait as crisp as when first struck 290 years ago, and from the lack of contact marks or evidence of handling, it is safe to say that this piece is premium even for its leading grade. Uncontested in technical quality and eye appeal, only one collector can leave the auction as the proud new owner of the finest-known 1729 5 Guineas.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD
George II gold 5 Guineas 1729 MS64 PCGS, KM571.1, S-3663. The first year of issue for George II's 5 Guinea piece, 1729 heralded the production of two types for this denomination: the present 'plain' variety, and the perhaps better-known East India Company (E.I.C.) variety. Whilst the E.I.C. type is ever-popular amongst collectors, comparatively little thought is given to the present type--largely due to its scarcity and smaller presence at auction. Whereas a total of forty-five E.I.C. 5 Guineas have been seen by either NGC or PCGS, only thirteen plain 1729 examples have been graded, a testament to their higher rarity. And, of this total of fifty-eight specimens dated 1729, the present offering represents the single-highest graded at MS64. Indeed, 64 is the grade cap for all 5 Guineas graded by NGC or PCGS of any monarch, with only one MS64★ topping the rankings (a 1741/38, also offered in this sale). This is because although rare in circulation, the frequent use of 5 Guineas in bank transactions almost always leads to prominent bag marks disguising the quality. Accordingly, to find a survivor such as this is truly exceptional. Immaculate surfaces positively glowing with mint luster, the strike exquisite with George's portrait as crisp as when first struck 290 years ago, and from the lack of contact marks or evidence of handling, it is safe to say that this piece is premium even for its leading grade. Uncontested in technical quality and eye appeal, only one collector can leave the auction as the proud new owner of the finest-known 1729 5 Guineas.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD