Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature Sale 3099 5-7 May 2022
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Great Britain
Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR62 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, W&R-278 (R4), Marsh-F23 (R3). DIRIGE legend, medal alignment, DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO * edge, 6 scrolls, and 11 leaves. By William Wyon. Verifiably iconic as not just a coveted issue of British numismatics, for which there are numerous, but across nations and eras, becoming one of the most fervently and consistently contested series in recent memory. The crowning artistic achievement of master engraver William Wyon at the height of his career--a monumental proclamation when considering his other masterworks, each impressive in their own right: the "Gothic" Crown and "Three Graces." The example at hand represents an extraordinary display of technical prowess, with meticulous detail painstakingly rendered unto Victoria's young bust; every lock of hair and headband foliage clearly defined and elevated by the combination of ample frost and deep mirrors that confirm the "Ultra Cameo" superlative.
The reverse displays even finer definition and depth, creating one of the most vibrant allegorical vignettes struck to coinage, showcasing Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene" and bearing a clear likeness to the newly coronated Victoria leading the British lion. So popular is this issue that not only had their production continued decades later, but that the British Royal Mint would revive the design for inclusion in their commemorative "Great Engravers" series, which has gained immense traction and continues to command significant premiums. Although Wilson and Rasmussen note a total of 9 varieties for the issue, ranging in rarity from R2 to R7, these are essentially irrelevant given the desirability of the design on the whole. Though the presence of grade defining handling wisps and scattered marks to the water fields are apparent under illumination, the clearness in reflectivity subtly masks these minor imperfections and is best appreciated when viewed in hand. Supplemented by an advanced visual character that seemingly always accompanies this captivating series, we anticipate bidder activity commensurate with the continuously growing collector interest in both vintage and modern British numismatics.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-victoria-gold-proof-una-and-the-lion-5-pounds-1839-pr62-ultra-cameo-ngc-/a/3099-30254.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3099-05052022
HID02906262019
© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 150000-200000 USD
Victoria gold Proof "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839 PR62 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM742, S-3851, W&R-278 (R4), Marsh-F23 (R3). DIRIGE legend, medal alignment, DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI TERTIO * edge, 6 scrolls, and 11 leaves. By William Wyon. Verifiably iconic as not just a coveted issue of British numismatics, for which there are numerous, but across nations and eras, becoming one of the most fervently and consistently contested series in recent memory. The crowning artistic achievement of master engraver William Wyon at the height of his career--a monumental proclamation when considering his other masterworks, each impressive in their own right: the "Gothic" Crown and "Three Graces." The example at hand represents an extraordinary display of technical prowess, with meticulous detail painstakingly rendered unto Victoria's young bust; every lock of hair and headband foliage clearly defined and elevated by the combination of ample frost and deep mirrors that confirm the "Ultra Cameo" superlative.
The reverse displays even finer definition and depth, creating one of the most vibrant allegorical vignettes struck to coinage, showcasing Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene" and bearing a clear likeness to the newly coronated Victoria leading the British lion. So popular is this issue that not only had their production continued decades later, but that the British Royal Mint would revive the design for inclusion in their commemorative "Great Engravers" series, which has gained immense traction and continues to command significant premiums. Although Wilson and Rasmussen note a total of 9 varieties for the issue, ranging in rarity from R2 to R7, these are essentially irrelevant given the desirability of the design on the whole. Though the presence of grade defining handling wisps and scattered marks to the water fields are apparent under illumination, the clearness in reflectivity subtly masks these minor imperfections and is best appreciated when viewed in hand. Supplemented by an advanced visual character that seemingly always accompanies this captivating series, we anticipate bidder activity commensurate with the continuously growing collector interest in both vintage and modern British numismatics.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-victoria-gold-proof-una-and-the-lion-5-pounds-1839-pr62-ultra-cameo-ngc-/a/3099-30254.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3099-05052022
HID02906262019
© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 150000-200000 USD