Heritage World Coin Auctions
January Signature Sale 3089 21-22 Jan 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Great Britain
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 AU58 NGC, KM508, S-3456, Schneider-481. Plain scepters variety. 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. Displaying a level of care in preservation that places the offering at the very cusp of mint classification, this piece retains a shimmering lustrous finish, coupled with an appealing amber tone that only strengthens in depth as the eye moves outward from the center toward the precisely struck peripheral legends. Only the most trivial rub is evident to the highpoints, yielding the unmistakable impression that this exquisite 5 Guineas would find itself fittingly placed within even a cabinet of uncirculated British gold rarities.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-au58-ngc-/a/3089-31183.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 AU58 NGC, KM508, S-3456, Schneider-481. Plain scepters variety. 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. Displaying a level of care in preservation that places the offering at the very cusp of mint classification, this piece retains a shimmering lustrous finish, coupled with an appealing amber tone that only strengthens in depth as the eye moves outward from the center toward the precisely struck peripheral legends. Only the most trivial rub is evident to the highpoints, yielding the unmistakable impression that this exquisite 5 Guineas would find itself fittingly placed within even a cabinet of uncirculated British gold rarities.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-william-iii-gold-fine-work-5-guineas-1701-au58-ngc-/a/3089-31183.s?type=CoinArchives3089
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD