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Auction 78 14 Mar 2023
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PF 63 ULTRA CAMEO | UNITED KINGDOM. Victoria, 1837-1901.
Gold sovereign, 1853. London. Proof. Extremely rare, R4.
- Rated R4, extremely rare. There are only 11-20 examples. No example is present in the thorough and extensive Slaney Collection.
- One of the rarest issues of the extremely sought after, proof sovereign series.
- Featuring a strong and full cameo that is so rare for the issue.
Second young head left, hair tied in fillet, with W.W incuse on truncation; date below truncation; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA [Victoria, by the grace of God]. / Crowned shield within wreath; thistle, rose and shamrock below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF: [Queen of Britain, defender of the faith].
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC PF63 ULTRA CAMEO, certification number 2124460-041. A very attractive example with stunning cameo. The devices are clear of any distractions and the surfaces appear fresh and true. The reverse is superior still. Extremely rare and highly sought after. 11-20 examples known.
NGC Census in this grade: 2.
NGC Census in higher grade: 11
Total NGC Census: 15
Reference: Fr-387f; KM-736.1; Marsh-36A [R4]; S-3852C; WR-305 [R3]
Diameter: 22.05 mm.
Weight: 7.9881 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Composition: 917.0/1000 Gold.
The Coin
Described as "impressive and very elusive" in the Bentley Collection, the 1853 proof sovereign is a wonder of British numismatics. It was originally issued both in sets and singly either for or on behalf of the Royal family through the Court Jeweller "Hunt and Roskell". The 1853 proof sets are the rarest ever produced by the Mint in all of British pre-decimal coinage. It is quite possible that these sets, with their altered initials, were issued in memoriam of their late designer, the great William Wyon (1795-51).
Described conservatively as R3 by Wilson and Rasmussen and later more accurately as R4 by Marsh, the 1853 proof sovereign is very rarely offered and extremely sought after. So rare is this popular issue that no example was included in the extensive Slaney Collection, so praised for its near exhaustive completeness.
The coin itself is extremely attractive, featuring a full cameo very rarely seen on other examples. The fields are flashy and unworn perfectly showing the surface texture of the polished dies. Moving the coin around in one's hand the dark and deeply mirrored surfaces jump to life and glow with a new shade of gold at every angle, while the satiny devices shimmer with a controlled and delicate lustre. The true beauty and rich contrast of a cameo proof is on full display in this so skilfully struck example. No graded example with an Ultra or Deep Cameo designation has been offered publicly in recent history. There are no serious marks or distractions to the design, only light chatter as indicated by the grade. This is a premium example of a legendary proof issue.
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, 1853. London. Proof. Extremely rare, R4.
- Rated R4, extremely rare. There are only 11-20 examples. No example is present in the thorough and extensive Slaney Collection.
- One of the rarest issues of the extremely sought after, proof sovereign series.
- Featuring a strong and full cameo that is so rare for the issue.
Second young head left, hair tied in fillet, with W.W incuse on truncation; date below truncation; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA [Victoria, by the grace of God]. / Crowned shield within wreath; thistle, rose and shamrock below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF: [Queen of Britain, defender of the faith].
In secure plastic holder, graded NGC PF63 ULTRA CAMEO, certification number 2124460-041. A very attractive example with stunning cameo. The devices are clear of any distractions and the surfaces appear fresh and true. The reverse is superior still. Extremely rare and highly sought after. 11-20 examples known.
NGC Census in this grade: 2.
NGC Census in higher grade: 11
Total NGC Census: 15
Reference: Fr-387f; KM-736.1; Marsh-36A [R4]; S-3852C; WR-305 [R3]
Diameter: 22.05 mm.
Weight: 7.9881 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Composition: 917.0/1000 Gold.
The Coin
Described as "impressive and very elusive" in the Bentley Collection, the 1853 proof sovereign is a wonder of British numismatics. It was originally issued both in sets and singly either for or on behalf of the Royal family through the Court Jeweller "Hunt and Roskell". The 1853 proof sets are the rarest ever produced by the Mint in all of British pre-decimal coinage. It is quite possible that these sets, with their altered initials, were issued in memoriam of their late designer, the great William Wyon (1795-51).
Described conservatively as R3 by Wilson and Rasmussen and later more accurately as R4 by Marsh, the 1853 proof sovereign is very rarely offered and extremely sought after. So rare is this popular issue that no example was included in the extensive Slaney Collection, so praised for its near exhaustive completeness.
The coin itself is extremely attractive, featuring a full cameo very rarely seen on other examples. The fields are flashy and unworn perfectly showing the surface texture of the polished dies. Moving the coin around in one's hand the dark and deeply mirrored surfaces jump to life and glow with a new shade of gold at every angle, while the satiny devices shimmer with a controlled and delicate lustre. The true beauty and rich contrast of a cameo proof is on full display in this so skilfully struck example. No graded example with an Ultra or Deep Cameo designation has been offered publicly in recent history. There are no serious marks or distractions to the design, only light chatter as indicated by the grade. This is a premium example of a legendary proof issue.
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.