Victoria, silver pattern florin, 1848, large laureate head left, rev. large oak wreath surrounding ONE FLORIN at centre, trident below, plain edge (ESC.2937, old ESC.905), certified and graded by NGC as Proof-65, a gem example having reflective surfaces and pleasing golden blue iridescent toning
Only one other graded as Proof-65 by NGC, none higher.
Many collectors and dealers prefer the traditional grading of coins using terms such as 'EF' and 'Good EF', yet this manner of assessing the quality of a rare coin, whilst it has served the hobby well for many years, seems to be increasingly replaced by the newer use of 'numerical grading' based on a 70-point system-developed in the USA initially for classic old copper coins-and it has its advantages. Mainly it is more accurate in placing a coin within a specific range of states of preservation. In the case of the present lot, the grade of PF65 given on the grading insert within the plastic holder indicates a coin that, somehow, escaped unintended diminishment of the coin's surfaces over the time the coin has been in collectors' hands. By contrast, a coin of similar style graded, say, PF62 has a history of being handled with less care as it sat in coin trays or was examined and traded over the years. Only the market can determine if more precise assessment merits greater demand and higher prices.
Estimate: 12500 - 15000 GBP