Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3075 15 Aug 2019
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Great Britain
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 AU58 NGC, KM508, S-3456. Plain scepters. The celebrated "Fine Work" portrait owes its creation to the mintmaster at the time, well-known scientist Isaac Newton. In modernizing the assaying and operations of the Royal Mint, Newton oversaw the engraving of a new portrait to replace the shallow, uninspiring rendition of William III mass-produced since the Great Recoinage of 1696. This new representation of the king was of a level of realism unmatched by any previous British coinage; the lifelike expression on William's face, the delicate treatment of his numerous locks as they fall across his shoulder, an overall level of depth and detail which speaks of considerable care and artistic skill. Needless to say, the type stands in stark contrast to its contemporaries, and remains a jewel in the crown of Five Guineas collections. This piece has encountered minor handling in line with its grade, but has only lost a tiny fraction of its highpoint detail with bold sharpness still prevalent in the designs. Subdued luster gleams across the planchet, the devices haloed by a deep honey tone; an adjustment mark is noted across the French shield on the reverse, as is a small metal flaw before REX. In all regards a beauty, a coveted type and extremely well preserved.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-au58-ngc-/a/3075-32207.s?type=CoinArchives3075
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 35000-40000 USD
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 AU58 NGC, KM508, S-3456. Plain scepters. The celebrated "Fine Work" portrait owes its creation to the mintmaster at the time, well-known scientist Isaac Newton. In modernizing the assaying and operations of the Royal Mint, Newton oversaw the engraving of a new portrait to replace the shallow, uninspiring rendition of William III mass-produced since the Great Recoinage of 1696. This new representation of the king was of a level of realism unmatched by any previous British coinage; the lifelike expression on William's face, the delicate treatment of his numerous locks as they fall across his shoulder, an overall level of depth and detail which speaks of considerable care and artistic skill. Needless to say, the type stands in stark contrast to its contemporaries, and remains a jewel in the crown of Five Guineas collections. This piece has encountered minor handling in line with its grade, but has only lost a tiny fraction of its highpoint detail with bold sharpness still prevalent in the designs. Subdued luster gleams across the planchet, the devices haloed by a deep honey tone; an adjustment mark is noted across the French shield on the reverse, as is a small metal flaw before REX. In all regards a beauty, a coveted type and extremely well preserved.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-au58-ngc-/a/3075-32207.s?type=CoinArchives3075
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 35000-40000 USD