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Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2020 Auction  5-6 Aug 2020
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Lot 21285

Starting price: 9000 USD
Price realized: 28 000 USD
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GREAT BRITAIN. Victoria Golden Jubilee Gold Medal, 1887. London Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-63 Gold Shield.
BHM-3219; Eimer-1733a. By L. C. Wyon. Mintage: 944. Obverse: VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX, crowned, veiled, and draped bust left; Reverse: IN COMMEMORATION, Victoria seated facing on throne, holding orb and reversed sword; two overhanging cherubs above; below and around, seven allegories representing arts, industry, and commerce; in exergue, the 'five' continents of the civilized world: Asia, America, Europe, Australasia, and Africa. Surpassed across both services by just a sole specimen, this incredibly iconic jubilee medal represents a pinnacle in terms of elegant and intricate artistry and iconography. Vibrant and radiant, with an alluring golden-orange hue shimmering throughout. RARELY encountered this impressive.

Considering the advancements in health and wellness achieved in the 20th century, it might be easy to overlook the significance of a 50 year reign when using modern eyes, but this couldn't be farther from the case in the 19th century and earlier eras. This sort of longevity, given its rarity, was broadly celebrated and, in Victoria's case, it was no different. As noted in British Historical Medals, "the jubilee was celebrated throughout the country by many thousands of people. The festivities took many forms including local fêtes, a yacht race round the island from Southend to Dover, bonfires, illuminations and a service of thanksgiving attended by the Queen at Westminster Abbey." The occasion also inspired "a very large number of unofficial pieces (medals), many of poor style and execution." As the official medal, the specimen offered here received all the attention and grandeur that the event called for. By the end of her reign, Victoria would eclipse even more milestones, including the Diamond Jubilee for her 60th year, ultimately setting the record for longest-reigning British monarch at 67 years, 282 days at the time of her passing. Next to her Coronation however, which marked the formal beginning of her time as monarch, the event for which this medal was produced was unquestionably her most celebrated. To view all items from the Duke of Lansing Collection, click here.

From the Duke of Lansing Collection.

Estimate: $15000.00- $25000.00

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