Baldwin & Sons
Auction 88 8 May 2014
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BRITISH COINS, MILLED GOLD SOVEREIGNS, Elizabeth II, Gold Sovereigns (4), Post-Decimalisation, 1974, 1976, 1978, designed by Arnold Machin, second crowned and draped bust right, elizabeth. ii. dei. gratia. regina. f: d:, finely toothed border within twin linear concentric circles and raised rim both sides, rev struck en médaille, engraved after Benedetto Pistrucci, St George slaying dragon with sword, helmet with streamer, horse with long tail, broken lance on groundline to left, date in exergue, tiny B.P. to upper right; with Isle of Man, Gold Proof Sovereign, 1973, similar bust, ISLE OF MAN ELIZABETH II, finely toothed border, rev Viking equestrian figure prancing left, rocks beyond, date in exergue, small engraver initials PM to upper right, ornate outer border surrounding with Isle of Man triskeles at top, edge milled (cf Bentley 1238; Marsh 307, 308, 309; S 4204; KM 27). The Isle of Man piece practically as struck and a touch lighter in official weight than the British pieces, others generally as struck, the second prooflike, last with one small metal flaw at end of obverse legend. (4)
Calendar year mintages 5,002,566; 4,045,056; 6,555,000; respectively, Isle of Man=40,000
The Royal Mint moves from London to Llantrisant, Wales from 1969, to be ready to issue new decimal coinage by 1971.
Decimalisation comes into being on 14 February 1971, and the currency Decimal Coinage contained new reverse designs for the new denominations apart from the more ceremonial gold coinage (Sovereigns 1974, other gold 1980) and the Maundy coins. The obverse carried the new "decimal" portrait engraved by Arnold Machin (1911-1999), which had been in gestation since circa 1963, and was first used on the 1968 issue of cupro-nickel Ten New Pence, and Five New Pence coins which were released into circulation first as their physical dimensions and value equated with the Florin and Shilling in the pre-decimal series. He also designed the bust used for postage stamps from 1967 in the transition from pre-decimal to decimal values.
There being no British Sovereign for 1973, the Hemisphere Collector purchased an Isle of Man piece to fill that date, though this issue does not have the same legal tender value as the British Sovereigns.
There were no British Sovereigns for 1975 or 1977, the latter being an opportunity missed for the Royal Mint perhaps, as it was Silver Jubilee year for Queen Elizabeth II.
Estimate: £700-900
Calendar year mintages 5,002,566; 4,045,056; 6,555,000; respectively, Isle of Man=40,000
The Royal Mint moves from London to Llantrisant, Wales from 1969, to be ready to issue new decimal coinage by 1971.
Decimalisation comes into being on 14 February 1971, and the currency Decimal Coinage contained new reverse designs for the new denominations apart from the more ceremonial gold coinage (Sovereigns 1974, other gold 1980) and the Maundy coins. The obverse carried the new "decimal" portrait engraved by Arnold Machin (1911-1999), which had been in gestation since circa 1963, and was first used on the 1968 issue of cupro-nickel Ten New Pence, and Five New Pence coins which were released into circulation first as their physical dimensions and value equated with the Florin and Shilling in the pre-decimal series. He also designed the bust used for postage stamps from 1967 in the transition from pre-decimal to decimal values.
There being no British Sovereign for 1973, the Hemisphere Collector purchased an Isle of Man piece to fill that date, though this issue does not have the same legal tender value as the British Sovereigns.
There were no British Sovereigns for 1975 or 1977, the latter being an opportunity missed for the Royal Mint perhaps, as it was Silver Jubilee year for Queen Elizabeth II.
Estimate: £700-900