Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3075 15 Aug 2019
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Great Britain
George III gold Proof Pattern Restrike 1/2 Penny 1791 PR63 Ultra Cameo NGC, W&R-Unl (cf. W&R-162/164), Peck-1059. By William J. Taylor after Küchler and Droz. Plain edge. Surely one of Taylor's finest creations, a large-size pattern in gold combining the artistry of the Soho mint with an elite fabric. Taylor, a Victorian coin dealer, came upon the opportunity to purchase many of the original Soho Mint dies when the Mint closed in 1848 and its components were sold off by the firm Fuller and Horsey, April-May 1850. After polishing and restoring a number of these, Taylor set about making restrikes in very limited numbers from the original 18th century dies for the benefit of collectors, as well as concocting some of his own die-pairings. This series introduced many previously unknown Proofs and patterns, of which no contemporary examples survived but for which the dies were still extant - Taylor struck most of these in copper, a handful in silver and the smallest number, most notably, in gold. These last are by far the most popular and sought-after of his patterns, and appear very seldomly at auction. The present piece is truly breathtaking, the cartwheel border of the obverse and George's laureate portrait richly frosted with only light rub to the highpoints. The fields exhibit neat die-polish lines from Taylor's restoration efforts, retaining strong flash behind with only isolated marks (the most notable a dig to the reverse above Britannia's arm). Every striking detail is as strong as could be hoped for, cumulating in an exquisite visual effect. Impressive in every regard, a beautiful numismatic rarity for only the most discerning collector.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-george-iii-gold-proof-pattern-restrike-1-2-penny-1791-pr63-ultra-cameo-ngc-/a/3075-32217.s?type=CoinArchives3075
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 8000-12000 USD
George III gold Proof Pattern Restrike 1/2 Penny 1791 PR63 Ultra Cameo NGC, W&R-Unl (cf. W&R-162/164), Peck-1059. By William J. Taylor after Küchler and Droz. Plain edge. Surely one of Taylor's finest creations, a large-size pattern in gold combining the artistry of the Soho mint with an elite fabric. Taylor, a Victorian coin dealer, came upon the opportunity to purchase many of the original Soho Mint dies when the Mint closed in 1848 and its components were sold off by the firm Fuller and Horsey, April-May 1850. After polishing and restoring a number of these, Taylor set about making restrikes in very limited numbers from the original 18th century dies for the benefit of collectors, as well as concocting some of his own die-pairings. This series introduced many previously unknown Proofs and patterns, of which no contemporary examples survived but for which the dies were still extant - Taylor struck most of these in copper, a handful in silver and the smallest number, most notably, in gold. These last are by far the most popular and sought-after of his patterns, and appear very seldomly at auction. The present piece is truly breathtaking, the cartwheel border of the obverse and George's laureate portrait richly frosted with only light rub to the highpoints. The fields exhibit neat die-polish lines from Taylor's restoration efforts, retaining strong flash behind with only isolated marks (the most notable a dig to the reverse above Britannia's arm). Every striking detail is as strong as could be hoped for, cumulating in an exquisite visual effect. Impressive in every regard, a beautiful numismatic rarity for only the most discerning collector.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-george-iii-gold-proof-pattern-restrike-1-2-penny-1791-pr63-ultra-cameo-ngc-/a/3075-32217.s?type=CoinArchives3075
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 8000-12000 USD