The Coin Cabinet
Auction 78 14 Mar 2023
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MS 63 | GREAT BRITAIN. George II, 1727-60.
Gold half-guinea, 1759.
- A very high-grade example of a difficult series.
- Graded NGC MS63, there are just a handful of examples graded finer.
- Featuring an accomplished bust by the great John Croker.
Old laureate head left; GEORGIVS · II · DEI · GRATIA · [George II, by the grace of God]. / Crowned, garnished shield of arms; date divided above; · M · B · F · ET · H · REX · F · D · B · ET · L · D · S · R · I · R · A · T · ET · E · [King of Great Britain France and Ireland, defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburgm, Arch-Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire].
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC MS 63, certification number 2124450-021. A choice example, with a good strike, minimal wear and considerable lustre. Very rare in this condition.
NGC Census in this grade: 4.
NGC Census in higher grade: 5
Total NGC Census: 29
Reference: Bull-660; Fr-349; KM-587; MCE-365; S-3685
Diameter: approx. 21 mm.
Weight: 4.12 g. (AGW=0.1237 oz.)
Composition: 916.0/1000 Gold.
Edge: Milled
Designer/engraver: John Croker (1670-1741)
The Coin
The half guineas of George II are a series plagued with surface issues, with a large number of examples having been found in water and exhibiting related surface problems. This coin features no such issues and with just a handful of examples graded higher (undoubtedly including resubmissions) this is one of the best examples of the issue available to collectors.
The coin has beautiful surfaces that glint and glimmer with a subtle, swirling lustre - extremely rare on these issues. The strike is good for the issue and Croker's strong and characterful design exists here proudly. A world-class example of a problematic series.
John Croker (1670-1741)
Johann Croker, who later anglicised his name to John, was born in Dresden, Saxony in 1690. As a child, Croker lost his father, an accomplished cabinet maker, and was then taken under the wing of his goldsmith and jeweller godfather. The budding artist flourished under this apprenticeship and upon its completion made his way to England, via the Netherlands, where he worked as a jeweller and medallist until becoming an assistant to Henry Harris, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, in 1697 – not long after a not-yet-knighted Isaac Newton joined the mint as Warden. In 1705, the same year Mr Newton became Sir Isaac, Croker was appointed as Chief Engraver.
Croker, working closely with Newton, engraved nearly all dies of Queen Anne, King George I, and many of George II. Few engravers have left as great an impact on British coinage as John Croker. In 1729, a 24-year-old John Sigmund Tanner (1705-75) was appointed his assistant. With Croker's death in 1741, Tanner carried on the torch of Chief Engraver.
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 half-guinea, 1759.
- A very high-grade example of a difficult series.
- Graded NGC MS63, there are just a handful of examples graded finer.
- Featuring an accomplished bust by the great John Croker.
Old laureate head left; GEORGIVS · II · DEI · GRATIA · [George II, by the grace of God]. / Crowned, garnished shield of arms; date divided above; · M · B · F · ET · H · REX · F · D · B · ET · L · D · S · R · I · R · A · T · ET · E · [King of Great Britain France and Ireland, defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburgm, Arch-Treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire].
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC MS 63, certification number 2124450-021. A choice example, with a good strike, minimal wear and considerable lustre. Very rare in this condition.
NGC Census in this grade: 4.
NGC Census in higher grade: 5
Total NGC Census: 29
Reference: Bull-660; Fr-349; KM-587; MCE-365; S-3685
Diameter: approx. 21 mm.
Weight: 4.12 g. (AGW=0.1237 oz.)
Composition: 916.0/1000 Gold.
Edge: Milled
Designer/engraver: John Croker (1670-1741)
The Coin
The half guineas of George II are a series plagued with surface issues, with a large number of examples having been found in water and exhibiting related surface problems. This coin features no such issues and with just a handful of examples graded higher (undoubtedly including resubmissions) this is one of the best examples of the issue available to collectors.
The coin has beautiful surfaces that glint and glimmer with a subtle, swirling lustre - extremely rare on these issues. The strike is good for the issue and Croker's strong and characterful design exists here proudly. A world-class example of a problematic series.
John Croker (1670-1741)
Johann Croker, who later anglicised his name to John, was born in Dresden, Saxony in 1690. As a child, Croker lost his father, an accomplished cabinet maker, and was then taken under the wing of his goldsmith and jeweller godfather. The budding artist flourished under this apprenticeship and upon its completion made his way to England, via the Netherlands, where he worked as a jeweller and medallist until becoming an assistant to Henry Harris, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, in 1697 – not long after a not-yet-knighted Isaac Newton joined the mint as Warden. In 1705, the same year Mr Newton became Sir Isaac, Croker was appointed as Chief Engraver.
Croker, working closely with Newton, engraved nearly all dies of Queen Anne, King George I, and many of George II. Few engravers have left as great an impact on British coinage as John Croker. In 1729, a 24-year-old John Sigmund Tanner (1705-75) was appointed his assistant. With Croker's death in 1741, Tanner carried on the torch of Chief Engraver.
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.