The Coin Cabinet
Auction 64 24 May 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
UNITED KINGDOM. Victoria, 1837-1901.
Gold sovereign, 1859. London. Ansell.
The name 'Ansell' sovereign comes from George Frederick Ansell who worked at the mint and contributed to refining its processes. In 1859 a gold batch valued at £167,539 was deemed unfit for striking coinage due to its brittle nature. Ansell discovered a way to refine this batch without annealing and added the second hairband to Victoria's bust for easy identification, yet disguised enough to enter circulation. Ansell's coins were found to be much tougher than other sovereigns and he was awarded an official Thank You note by the Royal Mint along with £100 for his efforts. These Ansell sovereigns are some of the most sought after varieties due to the unusual story behind them.
Second young head of Victoria facing left; hair held in place by two ribbons, lower ribbon with an additional line that signifies the Ansell variety; date below truncation of bust; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. / Crowned shield within wreath; thistle, rose and shamrock below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:.
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC AU 53, certification number 4246398-001.
NGC Census in this grade: 6.
NGC Census in higher grade: 15
Total NGC Census: 41
Reference: Fr-387g; KM-736.3; Marsh-42A; S-3852E
Mintage: 167,539.
Diameter: 22.05 mm.
Weight: 7.9881 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Composition: 917.0/1000 Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: 6% Buyer Premium + VAT on this lot. No other fees, including live bidding. Delivery cost will be added to your order.
This lot is exempt from VAT. Payment can be made in EUR, CHF, or USD for an exchange fee. Please contact us to find out more.
Gold sovereign, 1859. London. Ansell.
The name 'Ansell' sovereign comes from George Frederick Ansell who worked at the mint and contributed to refining its processes. In 1859 a gold batch valued at £167,539 was deemed unfit for striking coinage due to its brittle nature. Ansell discovered a way to refine this batch without annealing and added the second hairband to Victoria's bust for easy identification, yet disguised enough to enter circulation. Ansell's coins were found to be much tougher than other sovereigns and he was awarded an official Thank You note by the Royal Mint along with £100 for his efforts. These Ansell sovereigns are some of the most sought after varieties due to the unusual story behind them.
Second young head of Victoria facing left; hair held in place by two ribbons, lower ribbon with an additional line that signifies the Ansell variety; date below truncation of bust; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. / Crowned shield within wreath; thistle, rose and shamrock below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:.
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC AU 53, certification number 4246398-001.
NGC Census in this grade: 6.
NGC Census in higher grade: 15
Total NGC Census: 41
Reference: Fr-387g; KM-736.3; Marsh-42A; S-3852E
Mintage: 167,539.
Diameter: 22.05 mm.
Weight: 7.9881 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Composition: 917.0/1000 Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: 6% Buyer Premium + VAT on this lot. No other fees, including live bidding. Delivery cost will be added to your order.
This lot is exempt from VAT. Payment can be made in EUR, CHF, or USD for an exchange fee. Please contact us to find out more.