Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature Sale 3035 3-5 September 2014
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Great Britain
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 MS63 PCGS, KM508, S-3456. Due to the heightened intricacy and skill seen within the engraving of William's portrait, this type earned the moniker of, and has long been recognized as, a "Fine Work" issue; a coin differentiated wholly from other monarchial strikings by its great artistic composition. The present piece, aside from all this, can further be isolated as one of the finest examples of this type to exist. While its list of qualities is long, perhaps the most important and impressive is the complete strike. While other examples have rivaled the present in terms of certified grade, none seen at auction have come close to matching the present coin in terms of strike; an attribute we think to be of the utmost importance given the obvious design-centered focus on this type. William's hair, as well as the reverse cruciform shields, show sharp definition to their highest points. Additionally, planchet adjustment marks, commonly visible on this type, are non-existent. Furthermore, the luster is full, with more than a hint of prooflike gleam in the fields. Handling also remains minimal with light hairlines in the obverse fields, but with essentially no surface-depressing marks - a clear indication of centuries (!) of careful handling by numismatists. Really, a great coin in all respects!...and a real pleasure to catalog.Ex. Stacks 12/1994 - Lot 2478From The Law Collection Krause catalog price(s) for this item: $4500 in VF, $12500 in EF, $16000 in UNC. Krause catalog price(s) for this item: $4500 in VF, $12500 in EF, $16000 in UNC.
Estimate: 35000-45000 USD
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701 MS63 PCGS, KM508, S-3456. Due to the heightened intricacy and skill seen within the engraving of William's portrait, this type earned the moniker of, and has long been recognized as, a "Fine Work" issue; a coin differentiated wholly from other monarchial strikings by its great artistic composition. The present piece, aside from all this, can further be isolated as one of the finest examples of this type to exist. While its list of qualities is long, perhaps the most important and impressive is the complete strike. While other examples have rivaled the present in terms of certified grade, none seen at auction have come close to matching the present coin in terms of strike; an attribute we think to be of the utmost importance given the obvious design-centered focus on this type. William's hair, as well as the reverse cruciform shields, show sharp definition to their highest points. Additionally, planchet adjustment marks, commonly visible on this type, are non-existent. Furthermore, the luster is full, with more than a hint of prooflike gleam in the fields. Handling also remains minimal with light hairlines in the obverse fields, but with essentially no surface-depressing marks - a clear indication of centuries (!) of careful handling by numismatists. Really, a great coin in all respects!...and a real pleasure to catalog.Ex. Stacks 12/1994 - Lot 2478From The Law Collection Krause catalog price(s) for this item: $4500 in VF, $12500 in EF, $16000 in UNC. Krause catalog price(s) for this item: $4500 in VF, $12500 in EF, $16000 in UNC.
Estimate: 35000-45000 USD