Edward VII (1901-10), Matte Proof Gold Two Pounds, 1902. Coronation year, bare head right, De S. below truncation for engraver George W De Saulles, legend and toothed border surrounding, EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, rev. St George slaying the dragon with sword, broken lance to lower left, tiny B.P. in exergue for engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, edge milled, weight 16.01g (cf.Schneider 662; WR 406; S 3968). Toned, has been slabbed and graded by NGC as PF62 Matte. Estimated Value $1,750
NGC Certification 3900996-002. Mintage 8,066 pieces. The Matte Proof finish was perfected by George W De Saulles when he first worked upon the Diamond Jubilee medallions produced in 1897 for Queen Victoria, and the matte look rather than brilliant proof seems to have been very much the new innovation and in vogue when it came to producing the commemorative Coronation coins dated 1902 for King Edward VII. These gold Two Pound coins were only included in the "long" gold proof sets of this celebration.