Heritage World Coin Auctions
Signature Sale 3029 14-16 January 2014
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Great Britain
Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection of World Coins. George III "Northumberland" Shilling 1763, S-3742, MS64 NGC. Exceptionally choice and fully Mint State. One of the finest examples to be seen, despite ancient contact marks on the portrait. It is bold in strike with perfect centering; the reverse is splendid in all aspects. The luster is "hard" and classic for this one-year issue; the light iridescent toning (silvery gold with greenish hues) is simply ideal for this piece. Stylistically, the "Northumberland" shilling differs from the various other types of shillings issued during this long reign. It stands alone as a denomination during the early years of George III; no other shillings were minted until 1787, and later from 1816 to 1820 during the New Coinage period. The Earl of Northumberland, Hugh Percy, visited Dublin in his capacity as Viceroy and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and had these coins minted so that he could distribute them, thereby gaining favor among the public. Most of the total mintage seems to have been used for money by the Irish, inasmuch as a shortage of silver currency existed at the time, and few pristine examples remain today. The number struck is unknown but is believed to have been some 3,000 pieces -- one of the lowest mintages of any type of shilling.
Estimate: 3000-4000 USD
Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection of World Coins. George III "Northumberland" Shilling 1763, S-3742, MS64 NGC. Exceptionally choice and fully Mint State. One of the finest examples to be seen, despite ancient contact marks on the portrait. It is bold in strike with perfect centering; the reverse is splendid in all aspects. The luster is "hard" and classic for this one-year issue; the light iridescent toning (silvery gold with greenish hues) is simply ideal for this piece. Stylistically, the "Northumberland" shilling differs from the various other types of shillings issued during this long reign. It stands alone as a denomination during the early years of George III; no other shillings were minted until 1787, and later from 1816 to 1820 during the New Coinage period. The Earl of Northumberland, Hugh Percy, visited Dublin in his capacity as Viceroy and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and had these coins minted so that he could distribute them, thereby gaining favor among the public. Most of the total mintage seems to have been used for money by the Irish, inasmuch as a shortage of silver currency existed at the time, and few pristine examples remain today. The number struck is unknown but is believed to have been some 3,000 pieces -- one of the lowest mintages of any type of shilling.
Estimate: 3000-4000 USD