Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3030 5-6 January 2014
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Great Britain
George III/IV pattern silver Halfcrown 1799, by Milton for Col. Fullerton, armored or draped "Scottish" bust, PR65 PCGS, rare, a gorgeous gem example with elegant golden gray iridescent toning. On the reverse we see deeply engraved, cruciform shields bearing the royal crests, and Welsh plumes in the angles between them, with a tiny image of Saint George slaying the dragon surrounded by the Order of the Garter in the center. Although dated 1799 (in cursive digits), most of the known Fullerton patterns were actually made by Matthew Young some decades later. Original strikes exist only in copper. The idea behind these was to celebrate the future king, George IV, at the time Prince Regent, with a coinage that might circulate in Scotland. Among his various titles was Prince of Wales (hence the use of the Welsh plumes on reverse) and Seneschal (judicial steward) of Scotland. Legend has it that the prince himself gave permission to Fullerton to create these patterns, of various denominations, but that after a few copper samples were made, and shown, the king's closest friend, Joseph Banks, formally objected to using on coins the prince's effigy, and the royal arms, while George III remained alive. As official medalist to the prince, John Milton was able to create a lifelike portrait, and here we see the famous prince portrayed in all his effete glory. When the project failed, the dies were put away, only to be "rescued" some years later by Young, whose restriking efforts created these beautiful classics. This is one of the finest pieces we have seen.
Estimate: 1500-2000 USD
George III/IV pattern silver Halfcrown 1799, by Milton for Col. Fullerton, armored or draped "Scottish" bust, PR65 PCGS, rare, a gorgeous gem example with elegant golden gray iridescent toning. On the reverse we see deeply engraved, cruciform shields bearing the royal crests, and Welsh plumes in the angles between them, with a tiny image of Saint George slaying the dragon surrounded by the Order of the Garter in the center. Although dated 1799 (in cursive digits), most of the known Fullerton patterns were actually made by Matthew Young some decades later. Original strikes exist only in copper. The idea behind these was to celebrate the future king, George IV, at the time Prince Regent, with a coinage that might circulate in Scotland. Among his various titles was Prince of Wales (hence the use of the Welsh plumes on reverse) and Seneschal (judicial steward) of Scotland. Legend has it that the prince himself gave permission to Fullerton to create these patterns, of various denominations, but that after a few copper samples were made, and shown, the king's closest friend, Joseph Banks, formally objected to using on coins the prince's effigy, and the royal arms, while George III remained alive. As official medalist to the prince, John Milton was able to create a lifelike portrait, and here we see the famous prince portrayed in all his effete glory. When the project failed, the dies were put away, only to be "rescued" some years later by Young, whose restriking efforts created these beautiful classics. This is one of the finest pieces we have seen.
Estimate: 1500-2000 USD