Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3081 12-13 Jan 2020
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Great Britain
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 MS61 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. The present offering is strong even for its impressive grade; the only notable distraction is a scratch to the obverse a 6 o'clock, which cursory inspection can easily mistake for a simple die break. The remainder of the coin is preserved to a superb standard, William's portrait for which this type is given its name as sharp and light-grabbing as could possibly be hoped for, the surrounding fields similarly reflective to a near Proof appearance.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-ms61-ngc-/a/3081-32203.s?type=CoinArchives3081
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 25000-35000 USD
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 MS61 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. The present offering is strong even for its impressive grade; the only notable distraction is a scratch to the obverse a 6 o'clock, which cursory inspection can easily mistake for a simple die break. The remainder of the coin is preserved to a superb standard, William's portrait for which this type is given its name as sharp and light-grabbing as could possibly be hoped for, the surrounding fields similarly reflective to a near Proof appearance.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-ms61-ngc-/a/3081-32203.s?type=CoinArchives3081
HID02906262019
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 25000-35000 USD