| Numisor SA > Online Auction 22-23 | Auction date: 15 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 745 Price realized: 45 CHF (Approx. 51 USD / 47 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Germany, Prussia, 5 coin lot various coins from 1782 to 1869- 1782 1/24 Thaler, KM 296, In Uncirculated condition 1837 D 1 Groschen, KM410, In Uncirculated condition 1863 A 1 Groschen, KM485, In AU to Uncirculated condition 1869 B 1 Groschen, KM485, In Uncirculated condition 1868 A 2 1/2 Groschen, KM486, In Extra Fine to Almost Uncirculated condition Starting price: 40 CHF |  |
Match 1:
| Spink > Auction 392 | Auction date: 14 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 204 Price realized: 35,000 USD (Approx. 31,976 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Edward VIII (1936), Winchester College, The King's Gold Prize Medal, 1936, awarded to Christopher Ivan William Seton-Watson MC*, by Thomas Humphrey Paget and Bertram Wyon, EDWARDVS VIII REX ET IMPERATOR HONOREM PROPONIT, 'classical' bare head left, rev. the tomb of William of Wykeham, ETIAM SEPULTI VIVIT FAMA WYKEHAMI OB MCCCCIV in three lines in exergue [\Even buried the fame of Wykeham lives, died 1404"], 49mm., 86.35g., [Unhallmarked, Spink XRF: 18ct. Gold, London (Royal Mint)], struck retrospectively on 2 March 1937, edge largely plain but inscribed upwards C. I. W. SETON-WATSON. 1936. in New Roman capitalised script 9 and 4 o'clock (BHM - [cf. 4383/3720]; Eimer - [cf. 1240]; Jeremy Cheek, 'Royal Prize Medals', BNJ, 2018, pp. 175-188), faintly hairlined and lightly wiped in otherwise lustrous, original fields, an unfortunate but largely imperceptible scratch above Wykeham, otherwise extremely fine and much as issued, OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE, as a 'one-year type' of which only two examples were struck off in gold for English and Latin Speech at Winchester College, the oldest continuously operating patron of an annual Royal Prize Medal, and whose unique obverse legend: 'Edward VIII, The King and Emperor Proposes this Honour' elevates this prestigious award to truly exalted numismatic heights especially when viewed alongside the approved 'Coin Portrait' in a format larger even than his legendary Pattern Five-Pounds, and critically struck in gold, by and housed in, the Royal Mint official case of issue with the stunning and seldom-encountered Edward VIII Cypher in gold-letter Provenance The Estate of Christopher Ivan William Seton-Watson MC and Bar (1918-2007). Christopher was born 6 August 1918, the younger son of Robert William and Marion Esther Seton-Watson. He was baptised at St Margaret's (Westminster) on 7 October that same year. Prior to education, he resided at No. 1 Buckingham Street, Buckingham Gate, London. His father, often writing under the pseudonym 'Scotus Viator' from here, proved a troublesome thorn in the side of the British Government for his outspoken beliefs on a federal solution to Austro-Hungary. Conscripted into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1917, his allies soon rescued him to the Intelligence Bureau of the War Cabinet and the Enemy Propaganda Department. It was during this posting that Marion would fall pregnant and Christopher would be born. Whilst his second son was still an infant, Robert journeyed to Paris on his own diplomatic mission for the Peace Conference of July 1919. He continued to rile European officials with his jibe about the 'pygmies of Paris', but equally sought the renewal of friendships with ministers of the new state of Czechoslovakia. His allies Tomáš Masaryk would become the first premier; and Edvard Beneš its Foreign Minister. Unsurprisingly Seton-Watson Senior would prove instrumental in the establishing the post-war frontiers of Yugoslavia and Italy. Robert separately established the School of Slavonic Studies and from 1922 held its post as the first Masaryk Chair of the Faculty. Following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Robert devoted his time to academic teachings; although was reportedly unpunctual, untidy, and too preoccupied with other matters". Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's later policy of appeasement to Nazi Germany about the subject of Czechoslovakia, found in Seton-Watson one of his governments most pointed critics. This lead to his publication of "Britain in Europe: 1789-1914 - A Survey of Foreign Policy, 1937, in which he argued for the strengthening of the enforcement role of the League of Nations as a 'united European front against the disturbers of the peace'; in short to be an active deterrent against the 'inverted Bolshevism of Italy' and naked aggression of Germany. Following the Second World War, Seton-Watson lamented the loss of the former Easter blocs new-found democratic freedoms, retiring to the Isle of Skye where he died in 1951. With the pursuit of geo-political and military history firmly embedded within the traditions of this family, it is unsurprising to see first Hugh (born 1916), and then Christopher follow in their father's footsteps. Educated at Horris Hill, Christopher became a scholar of Winchester College in 1931. In the Summer of 1936, Christopher would receive this prestigous King's Gold Prize Medal for Latin Verse; and subsequently serve as Head Boy, or 'Aule Prae' until he left the school the following year. His academic record was excellent - having further distinguished himself in History and Latin Speech; a School Exhibition; and as the recipient of the main Classical Prize for an Old Wykehamist - the Goddard Scholarship. The following year, Christopher commenced his Bachelor degree at New College, Oxford with the study of Classics and PPE, and helpfully where his elder brother Hugh was already working as a lecturer. Also revealed on the 1939 Census is the fact Christopher had joined the Officer Training Corps as a Cadet. This would expedite his transition into the colours upon the outbreak of hostilies in September 1939. The history of the Winchester College Prize Medal dates to at least as early as the first decade of the reign of King George III in the 1760s. However, it was not until 1797, that the Prince of Wales (the then Prince Regent) took up the patronage of the award and the addition of HONOREM PROPONIT ("Proposes the Honour") was made to the design. This Royal Prize Medal is the oldest of the now 24 annual awards bestowed by the Sovereign across the Armed Forces, Education, Architecture, Science, Poetry and Geography. As noted by Christopher Eimer (Author, British Historical Medals): "the medal was established by the Prince of Wales... two each in gold and silver, to be awarded in gold for Latin speech and in silver for Latin prose; the other two medals to be awarded for English, gold for speech, silver for verse, these to be awarded in alternate years." Today, Winchester College preserves an early example of the award for 1801, stating the transitional legend 'HONOREM PRINCEPS PROPONIT' and the device of the Prince of Wales (the Ostrich Feathers). When the Prince Regent became King George IV in January 1820, the bestowal of the Prize Medal became the preserve of the Sovereign, a tradition that endures to the present day over two centuries later. The present design was updated by Bertram Wyon during the reign of Queen Victoria to depict the tomb of school founder William of Wykeham, who died in 1404. Winchester College also preserves a small collection of prize medals from the reign of King George V (1919); King George VI (1945) and the late Queen Elizabeth II (2008). As Cheek notes: "Laurence Brown went to great lengths to define which medals should or should not be included in his book. Generally prize medals were excluded, as he felt that if he did not do so the book would never be complete or be published. However his overriding consideration was that medals of national importance would be included. As Royal Prize Medals were thought to be of national importance they were there confusingly in both categories. The result was that Royal Prize Medals issued during the reigns of George IV (1820-30) to George VI (1936-52) were included in BHM.... He continues: "There are also other Royal Price Medals not listed in BHM and not present in the following set: those medals produced with the effigy of Edward VIII, of which twenty-six were produced late in 1937. Equivalent issues to nos. 1-7, 10-12, 14-16, 18 and 20-21 were produced bearing the effigy of Edward VIII; no Edward VIII medals were produced for the Royal Geographical Society (Founder's Medal); the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Police Essay Competition or the Poetry Medal. A Royal Household Long and Faithful Service medal of Edward VIII was produced but never awarded; there is an example in the Royal Mint Museum. The other medals listed in the set described below were only initiated after the abdication of Edward VIII in December 1936. Laurence Brown was an assiduous researcher and I am sure that the omission of these medals from BHM was deliberate, presumably because he believed that they should be considered as Patterns for medals that were not issued, and thus lay outside the scope of his book. However since the publication of BHM two examples of Royal Prize Medals with the effigy of Edward VIII have appeared at auction inscribed with receipients' names, so it would appear that at least two were in fact awarded. There are no specimens of Royal Prize Medals with the effigy of Edward VIII in the Royal Collection." Corpus: 1. Royal Military Academy (Sandhurst) 2. Britannia Royal Naval College (Dartmouth); Awarded to Peter S Wilson; Morton & Eden, Auction 8, 25 May 2004, lot 133 (£6,200 HP); Joseph S Giordano Collection 3. Royal Air Force College (Cranwell) 4. King Edward VIII School (King's Lynn) The abdication of King Edward VIII on the 11 December 1936 brought to an end a tumultous 325-day reign. The termination of his reign brought with it the logistical headache of scrapping his approved effigy for a replacement in the likeness of King George VI. Deputy-Master of the Royal Mint (1922-1938), Sir Robert Arthur Johnson conceded: "The work of the two artists was all but completed when the events of last December rendered it nugatory. Over 200 dies of coins, medals and seals were thus rendered useless and the Mint was faced with the task of securing portraits of his present Majesty with but limited time available." He added in the same December 1937 interview shortly before his death: "I am betraying no profound secret in stating that the coinage effigy of the former King was, at his personal wish, prepared facing to the left. But as there has been no coinage bearing the bust of the former King, the old tradition has maintained by showing the effigy of the present monarch facing in the same direction as the last monarch but one. The new King's effigy faces left, as did those of King George V and Queen Victoria, a fact which is surely one of the most happy augury." He concluded: "During 1936, in the early stages when the coinage for King Edward was in question, I was made aware that some desire existed for a complete departure from the heraldic tradition which has been associated for several centuries with our principal coins." Based on surviving Royal Mint Archives, Official Gazette entries, contemporary newspaper reports and eyewitness accounts, the following timeline can be reconstructed for the numismatic and philatelic record of the short-lived King's reign. 20 January 1936 - At five minutes to midnight, King George V dies at Sandringham and his eldest son David, Prince of Wales becomes King Edward VIII. Thursday, 6 February 1936 - An official at the General Post Office informs the Daily Telegraph, that: "New postage stamps and postal orders bearing the portrait of King Edward VIII are not likely to be issued until the end of the year. It can also be authoritatively stated that no mourning stamps are to be printed. The annual sale of stamps in Britain totals 7,000,000,000. Postal orders number 225,000,000. Of the 70,000 letter boxes in the country, comparatively few will bear King Edward's initials for some time. New boxes will do so. Letter boxes bearing the inscription E.R. VII are still in existence, and there are still a few old ones marked V.R. On the 9,000 mail vans, the Royal initials will be altered as the vehicles are repainted." It is estimated that only 271 post-boxes bearing the cypher of Edward VIII were eventually produced. The same day, the 4th Winter Olympiad is opened in Garmisch-Partenkirchen by Adolf Hitler. Friday, 21 February 1936 - "The King received Sir Robert Johnson, Deputy Master of the Royal Mint at Buckingham Palace, and inspected a plaster cast of his own head, which had been prepared at the Mint. The cast will, with Royal Approval, be used not only for the new coins, but also in the preparation of dies for medals and other purposes." Friday, 13 March 1936 - "The King has approved two designs for the new Royal cypher: "E.R. VIII.". The War Office will make known to the public next week the designs submitted by Garter King of Arms which have been approved by the King. One Cypher in plain modern block letters surmounted by the Imperial Crown, will be used by the postal authorities and Government offices, Embassies, Legations and Consulates abroad, and by Dominions, India and the Crown Colonies. The other cypher follows the traditional style of interlocked initials with oak-leaf fringes. This will be used by the armed forces and the constabulary of the Empire." Tuesday, 28 April 1936 - The King sat at Buckingham Palace for the two medallionists [Thomas Humphrey Paget and Percy Metcalfe] of the Royal Mint, for the head which will appear on the new coinage and the medals which will be granted by King Edward the Eighth. Friday, 1 May 1936 - In what is estimated to be a £1,000,000 stimulus to the manufacting and stationery industry of Britain, the first printed examples of the King's Cypher appear in circulation. Saturday, 30 May 1936 - Bradford Post Office becomes the first building in Britain to feature the King's new cypher. Monday, 20 July 1936 - The Annual Swan Voyage of His Swan Master's Skiff along the River Thames exhibits the new Royal Cypher 'in red surmounted by a gold crown'. Friday 31 July 1936 - Sir William Currie, Chairman of the Worcester Committee announced that the King had been graciously pleased to become the patron of [Thames Nautical College, H.M.S.] Worcester. The King's gold medal was won by Kenneth Hodson. "A letter from the Secretary of the King's Privy Purse was read explaining that the medal could not be presented yet as a new one had to be cast bearing King Edward's head." This same medal was later sold by Sotheby's at an auction of 5 July 1994 (lot 211) and is believed to remain in a Private British Collection. Friday, 7 August 1936 - The King approves the uncrowned effigy submitted by Mr Thomas Humphrey Paget for his coins and medals, and the designs for the reverse of the new silver coinage by Mr George Kruger Gray. Tuesday, 1 September 1936 - Edward VIII's uncrowned effigy is released on stamps at midnight, featuring the series of halfpenny, threehalfpenny and twopence-halfpenny. London's three 'all-night post offices' in Fleet Street were besieged by collectors with queues forming two hours beforehand. "The issue was regarded as the greatest success of any recorded by the Post Office as over 30,000,000 stamps were sold on the first day." The following day however, critics were quick to note: "The head of the King is far from being the best photograph that has ever been taken and makes him appear more youthful than he really is. People are asking why there could not have been a break from tradition. Why always a face in profile? Why not full face, with the King wearing that boyish smile which has endeared him to millions? The new Australian stamp shows the King full face, so why not the English?" The Belfast Newsletter notes: "People are expressing the hope that a little more imagination will be displayed in the preparation of the new King Edward coins than has been manifested in the printing of the new stamps." Monday, 14 September 1936 - The penny stamp of Edward VIII is released. Wednesday, 16 September 1936 - The Royal Mint submits proposals to the Treasury for a new larger Threepence coin. An official stated: "the size is midway between that of a sixpence and a shilling. Efforts are being made to find a distinctive edge for the coin. The metal to be used has not yet been decided upon. The new coin will not however be made of silver or nickel." As Prince of Wales, Edward had described the silver issue, colloquially dubbed a 'joey' as an 'annoying coin'. Monday, 8 December 1936 - The Official Gazette, Notice No. 769 states: His Majesty the King has approved the issue of the customary official medal to commemorate His Majesty's Coronation. The medal will show on the obverse the crowned effigy of His Majesty with legend, and on the reverse the gateway of St James's Palace. "The Royal Mint are prepared to accept orders for these medals in Gold, large size, diameter 2.5 inches, price 50 guineas; small size, diameter 1.25 inches, price 12 guineas." Notice No. 770, states: "It has been announced that His Majesty the King will broadcast a message to the Empire on the day of his Coronation, Wednesday 12 May 1937. This will be His Majesty's first act after the Coronation ceremony is over. It is understood that a message to the Empire will not be broadcast by His Majesty at Christmas." Wednesday, 10 December 1936 - King Edward VIII signs his 'Instrument of Abdication' Thursday, 11 December 1936 - King George VI acceeds to the throne Tuesday, 2 March 1937 - The Royal Mint produces the obverse die hub for the Winchester College, King's Prize Medal. As each Royal Award is the preserve of the incumbent Sovereign, it is elected to retrospectively strike the medals with the 'classical' uncrowned effigy of the former King Edward VIII for those awarded in 1936. These are distributed to recipients over the following month. i) The Royal Collection boasts the artist's approval in gilt metal of King George VI sent for the monarch's personal assent (RCIN 443736). No artistic trials of Edward VIII were produced for the same purpose as the medals were to be produced retrospectively. ii) Spink has offered Marcus William Dick's, 1938 award in 2014, lot 628 iii) Spink has offered John Christopher Dancy's, 1939 award in 2021, lot 8110 Estimate: 15000 - 20000 USD |  |
Match 2:
| Spink > Auction 23005 | Auction date: 12 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 316 Price realized: 480 GBP (Approx. 603 USD / 559 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: The 'Haddenham' Collection of English Coins | An Academic Reference Collection of Trevor Ashmore Anglo-Saxon Forgeries from the Haddenham Collection (32) | , An Ashmore Copy of Kent, Heaberht (fl. 765), Penny, Canterbury, Eoba, + HEABERHT, Rx monogram at centre, rev. E-O-B-A in angles of voided cross pommée, [Spink XRF: 41.44% Ag], 2.29g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 837-010; Finn 118; Vide: Lord Grantley, NumChron, 1900, p. 148 = C E Blunt, BNJ 1952, pp. 52-57 = cf. SCBI 67 [BM], 661 = cf. North 198; = cf. Spink 873 [for original]), the unique original safely housed in the National collection since 1900; acquired 'IF', 1986 - £25, , An Ashmore Copy of Kent, Cuthred (798-807), Group I, Type Ci, Penny, Canterbury, Sæbeorht, CVÐ-RED REX in angles of tribrach with limbs terminating in circles, centre circle containing tribrach with pellets in angles, rev. + SE-BE-HRT in angles of single tribrach moline, pellets at bases and terminals, centre circle containing smaller tribrach, [Spink XRF: 47.00% Ag], 1.85g, 11h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 876-060/070; Finn 13; cf. Spink 876 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Archbishops of Canterbury, Ceolnoth (833-870), Group III, 'Inscribed Cross' Type, Penny, concocted prior to October 1972, Canterbury, Leofing, CEOLNOÐ ARCHIEP, tonsured bust facing, breaking inner circle, rev. + LIABIN CG MO N E T A, within and in angles of cross, [Spink XRF: 91.15% Ag], 2.03g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 894-010/040; Finn 14 ~ attributed to 'A Series of Sterling Silver Copies made by Period Coins'; cf. Spink 894 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Mercia, Offa (757-796), 'Heavy Coinage' Penny, concocted before August 1969, Canterbury, Æthelnoth, BERHTVLF REX commencing at 8 o'clock, diademed and draped bust right breaking inner circle, rev. + BYRNVALD commencing at 6 o'clock, around central circle containing alpha and omega monogram, [Spink XRF: 90.75% Ag], 1.73g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 907-160/210 - "Shown to BM, 10 July 1972, by T. Ashmore, Notts - "He must know manufacturer as his advert 'coin' is of same style" - This forgery is based on the coin shown in Seaby's Standard Catalogue - One of a series of sterling silver copies made by 'Period Coins'; Finn 16; cf. Spink 907 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Mercia, Ceolwulf I (821-823), Penny, 'Portrait' Type, Wodel, CEOLVVLF REX M, diademed and draped bust right, rev. WOD-EL MON-ETA across three lines, [Spink XRF: 90.94% Ag], 1.87g, 3h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 927; Finn 19; cf. Spink 927 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1991 - £30, , An Ashmore Copy of Mercia, Wiglaf, Second Reign (c. 830-840), Penny, London, Rædmund, + VVIGLAF REX M, plain cross with pellet in each angle, rev. O | + REDMA | h, in three lines, the D and h in pelleted lunettes above and below, [Spink XRF: 46.45% Ag], 2.06g, 2h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 934-030; Finn 22; cf. Spink 934), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Mercia, Berhtwulf (840-852), Penny, London, Beornweald, BERHTVLF REX commencing at 8 o'clock, diademed and draped bust right breaking inner circle, rev. + BYRNVALD commencing at 6 o'clock, around central circle containing alpha and omega monogram, [Spink XRF: 47.08% Ag], 2.07g, 11h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 935; Finn 23; cf. Spink 935 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Mercia, Ceolwulf II (874-879), Penny, 'Portrait' Type, Leofweald, CIOLVVLF REX, diademed and draped bust right, crescent headdress, rev. LI-AF-VA-LD in angles of cross, [Spink XRF: 49.16% Ag], 1.65g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 944; Finn 24; cf. Spink 944 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of East Anglia, Eadwald (796-800), Penny, concocted prior to October 1972, Ipswich [?], Lul/Lulla, + EADWA | LD | REX in three lines, rev. + LVL in voids of quadrilobe, rosettes in angles, [Spink XRF: 89.65% Ag], 1.83g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 947-090/120 ~ attributed to 'A Series of Sterling Silver Copies made by Period Coins'; Finn 25; cf. Spink 947 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of East Anglia, Aethelweard (c. 840-855), Penny, Ipswich [?], Æthelhelm, EÐELPEARD REX, short cross, crescents in angles, rev. + ÆÐELHELIH, short cross, wedges in angles, [Spink XRF: 46.86% Ag], 1.98g, 11h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 953-010; Finn 27; cf. Spink 953 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Viking Kingdom of York (895-920), 'St. Peter' Penny, + SCIIE - TII MO, divided by sword, small cross pattée above and below, rev. + VII •: VIICIT : hammer cross divided by a pellet, [Spink XRF: 46.77% Ag], 1.85g, 8h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1015-010/020; Finn 33; cf. Spink 1015 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Eric Bloodaxe, Second Reign (952-954), Penny, York, Aculf, ERIC - REX in two lines, divided by sword, rev. + ACVLF MON, small cross pattée, [Spink XRF: 46.67% Ag], 1.97g, 2h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1030-010/020; Finn 36; cf. Spink 1030 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Ecgberht, as King of the Mercians (802-839), Penny, c. 829, London, + ECGBERHT REX M, short cross potent, rev. + LVN | DONIA | CIVIT in three beaded lines, [Spink XRF: 46.81% Ag], 2.02g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1036-010/020; Finn 38; cf. Spink 1036 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Æthelberht (858-866/68), 'Floriate Cross' Type, Penny, Canterbury, Oshere, + ÆÐELBEARHT REX, double-diademed and draped bust right, rev. + OSHERE MONETA, floriated cross fourchée over lobed-saltire, [Spink XRF: 47.15% Ag], 1.89g, 5h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1054-010/020; Finn 39; cf. Spink 1054 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Alfred the Great (871-899), 'Monogram' Type, Penny, London, Tilewine, AD 880-883, AELFRX-ED REX, diademed and draped bust right, rev. LONDONIA monogram, trefoil to left, small cross to right, dividing TILEVINE | MONETA, [Spink XRF: 46.97% Ag], 1.73g, 4h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1062-080; Finn 41; cf. Spink 1062 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Alfred the Great (871-899), Penny, 'Guthrum Type', Winchester, Wulfræd, ÆL FRE DRE small cross pattée, rev. VVLF +++ RED in two lines divided by row of cross pattées, [Spink XRF: 45.74% Ag], 1.88g, 3h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1067-040; Finn 43v1; cf. Spink 1067 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Alfred the Great (871-899), Penny, Gloucester, ÆLFRL.ED X diademed and draped bust right, rev. ÆT GLEAPA, tau connected at its extremities by beaded lines, [Spink XRF: 47.27% Ag], 1.82g, 4h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1064-010/020; Finn 42; cf. BM 1838.0710.28 = [Cuerdale Hoard~ BM XX ~ cf. Spink 1064 for original]), the unique original coin the only known evidence of a Mint at Gloucester prior to the reign of Aethelstan; acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Alfred the Great (871-899), Penny, concocted prior to March 1970, Exeter, + AEL | FRED RE | X SAXO | NVM in four lines, rev. EXA vertically, flanked by trefoil of pellets, [Spink XRF: 79.40% Ag], 1.76g, 12h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1070-020 [Reported 19 March 1970]; Finn 44; cf. Spink 1070 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues', North Western Issues, Penny, Chester [?], Wulfgar, + EADVVEARD REX, small cross pattée, rev. building, VVLFGAR and cross below, [Spink XRF: 47.20% Ag], 1.77g, 5h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1075-010/030; Finn 46; cf. Spink 1075 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues' ~ Floral Type, Penny, East Anglian Mint, Heremod, + EADWEARD REX, small cross pattée, rev. floral spray motif, HEREMOD and rosette in exergue below, [Spink XRF: 47.22% Ag], 1.90g, 8h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1078-030/050 - 'Spuriously claimed to have been found with 7 others in Portsmouth in 1987'; Finn 49; cf. SCBI 20 [Mack], 758 = Spink 1078 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues' ~ Floral Type, Penny, Chester, Æthelwulf, + EADWEARD REX, small cross pattée, rev. floral spray motif, ADVLF MO and small cross pattée in exergue below, [Spink XRF: 47.22% Ag], 1.97g, 6h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1079-010/030; Finn 50; cf. Spink 1079 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues' - Floral Type, Penny, Chester, Buga, + EADVVEARD REX, small cross pattée within inner circle, rev. BV-GA, within tendrils of floral device, [Spink XRF: 50.55% Ag], 1.98g, 5h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1079-040; Finn 51; cf. Spink 1079 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues', North Western Mints, 'Hand of Providence' Type, Penny, Chester [?], Eadræd, + EADVVEARD REX, small cross pattée within inner circle, rev. EA-RE | DM-MO: across field divided by hand pointing upwards, [Spink XRF: 91.30% Ag], 1.86g, 6h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1081-010 var.; Finn 52; cf. SCBI 20 [Mack], 762 = Sale I, lot 119 [for unique original]; cf. Spink 1081 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues', North Western Mints, 'Tower' Type, Penny, concocted prior to September 1974, Chester [?], Cuthbeorht, + EADWEARD REX, small cross pattée, rev. CV-ÐB | ER-HT across field, divided by "camp gate", rosette flanked by pellets above, [Spink XRF: 46.55% Ag], 1.96g, 3h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1082-010/040 ['First shown Spink, September 1974']; Finn 53; cf. Spink 1082 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Wessex, Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Exceptional Issues', North Western Mints, 'Tower' Type, Penny, Chester [?], Eadmund, + EADVVEARD REX, small cross pattée, rev. EA-DV | M - ND divided by camp gate, [Spink XRF: 48.42% Ag], 1.94g, 10h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1083-040; Finn 54; cf. Spink 1083 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Aethelstan (924-939), 'Two Line' Type, North Eastern Mints, Penny, York, Ragnald/Ragnwald, + AEÐELSTAN REX, small cross pattée, rev. REGN | +++ | ALD in two lines, trefoil of pellets above and below, [Spink XRF: 46.88% Ag], 1.90g, 10h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1089-130/140; Finn 58; cf. Spink 1089), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Aethelstan (924-939), 'Exceptional Issues' ~ 'Floral Type', Penny, Warwick, Manthegn, + AEÐELSTAN REX, small cross pattée, rev. MON-ÐEGN in two lines divided by a row of three pellets, floral motifs above and below, [Spink XRF: 47.85% Ag], 1.94g, 8h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1097; Finn 59; cf. SCBI 20 [Mack], 775 = Spink 1097 [for original]), only two known of the original coin, this acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Æthelstan (924-939), 'Exceptional Issues' - Tower Type, Penny, York, Adalbert, + ÆDELSTAN REX, small cross pattée, rev. MO-N divided by Anglo-Saxon burh or tower, ADELBERT and trefoil in exergue below, [Spink XRF: 90.08% Ag], 1.77g, 5h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1100-010/030; Finn 60; cf. Spink 1100 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Dyfed, Howel Dda ap Cadell AKA Howell 'the Good' († 949/950), 'Two Line' Type, Penny, Gillaisu, + HOPLEL REX•: small cross pattée, rev. GIL+ | +++ | LYZ [retrograde] (6IL8ZYL), rosette above and below, [Spink XRF: 47.50% Ag], 1.88g, 4h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1121-010/020; Finn 62; cf. SCBI 34 [BM], 719 = cf. Spink 1121 [for unique original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Eadwig (955-959), 'Exceptional Issues', 'Hammer' Type, Penny, Oswald, EADVVIG REX, small cross pattée, rev. Thor's 'Mjolnir' or Hammer dividing OSP-ALD across field, [Spink XRF: 47.49% Ag], 1.81g, 1h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1125-010/030; Finn 63; cf. Spink 1125 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Eadgar (959-975), 'Horizontal Type', Penny, North Eastern Issues, Chester, Thorr/Thormodr, EADGAR REX, cross pattée, rev. ÐVR +++ MON, [Spink XRF: 46.97% Ag], 1.96g, 3h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1129-010/020; Finn 64; cf. Spink 1129 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , An Ashmore Copy of Eadgar (959-975), Portrait Type, Penny, East Anglian Mint, Norbert, + EADGAR REX, crude crowned and draped bust right, rev. + NORBERT MONETAI, small cross pattée, [Spink XRF: 47.09% Ag], 1.87g, 8h (Anglo-Saxon Counterfeits [2012], 1138-010/020; Finn 65; cf. Spink 1138 [for original]), acquired T Mathews, 1994 - £18, , (32). Estimate: £150 - £250 |  |
Match 3:
| The Coin Cabinet Ltd. > Auction 97 | Auction date: 14 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 12 Price realized: 1,550 GBP (Approx. 1,891 USD / 1,772 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: AU 58 | AUSTRALIA. Victoria, 1837-1901. Gold sovereign, 1872/1 M. Melbourne. Shield; 2 over 1. In 1871 it was decided to open a second mint in Australia, this time in Melbourne, to service the increasing demand for gold coins. From now coins would bear the same design as the British sovereigns, identified by a mint mark in the lower section of the reverse of the coin. Dies of the new designs and bearing the date 1871 were prepared in London and left Southampton via boat on 30 September 1871. However, after transferring the package to the steamer Rangoon on 1 November, the boat hit a rock on the Southwest coast of Ceylon. Despite this terrible fate all passengers and a small number of packages were saved. The 1872/1 overdate is testament to the survival of at least one of the 1871 dies as local engraver Julius Hogarth was commissioned by the Melbourne mint to create the overdate die. An extremely rare variety with a captivating story and truly historical significance. Young head left, WW on truncation; date below, with 2 struck over 1; VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. / Crowned shield within wreath; mintmark M and national emblems below; BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF:. Edge milled. In secure plastic holder, graded NGC AU 58, certification number 6768994-007. NGC Census in this grade: 3. NGC Census in higher grade: 3 Total NGC Census: 15 Reference: S-3854; Marsh-59A; McD-120c Diameter: 22.05 mm. Weight: 7.99 g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.) Composition: 916.7/1000 Gold. 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. Starting price: 370 GBP |  |
Match 4:
| Stack's Bowers Galleries (& Ponterio) > April 2024 Hong Kong Auction | Auction date: 15 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 40235 Price realized: 32,000 USD (Approx. 30,112 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: CHINA. Republic. Silver Hand Engraved Serving Tray Inlaid with Chinese Dollars, ND (ca. 1927-32). Diameter: 33cm; Weight: 1,268 gms. This astonishing inlaid tray contains numerous numismatic RARITIES and speaks volumes to the proficient work done by the well-known silversmith, Mr. Zee Sung. Sung was active in Shanghai during the early years of the Republic up to the 1950's. The attention to detail and artistry of the engraving is typical of his work, but on a much larger magnitude than normally encountered for items of this nature. Usually when silver wares, in similar fashion to the present piece, are encountered they were done so in much smaller scale, with less artistry and far less attention to detail was paid. It is clear Mr. Sung spent much time in the preparation of this magnificent item given the amount of fine details offering many different textures and prominently features stylistic initials "EvK". The segmented rim, imitating bamboo stalk, is another feature reminiscent of the period, but in our experience is not typical of Sung's work. Each of the numismatic treasures contained in this piece are securely held in place appearing to be braised in several areas. Like many vintage silver artifacts that were manufactured for use and display the surfaces do show evidence of being cleaned numerous times over the decades with rich slate patina in the protected areas and crevasses. The reverse exhibits richer mottled patina with a slight iridescent sheen that is commonly seen on old silver. Close inspection of the reverse reveals Mr. Sung's well-known hallmark "ZEESUNG" and is flanked by what appears to be the character "Jian" (儉) in a square frame; also the rim shows methodical smoothing appearing to have been done during the manufacturing process which makes sense given the complex and time-consuming nature of the sophisticated precious metal work. When this wonderful piece was commissioned, the coins used would have either been supplied or gathered from circulation and added to the cost of manufacture. By today's standards there are several significant, important and highly desirable numismatic relics that are sought after by many collectors. When examining and comparing the pieces used, we notice that not even one can be dated after 1927, which in and of itself is of interest, and that there are no Sun Yat-sen "Junk" Dollars present. This last part is of special interest given how prevalent "Junk" Dollars are in today's marketplace and gives us a narrower time frame for when this piece was probably made. Most sources state that Mr. Sung was active circa 1910's to the 1950's, but we were unable to locate anything definitive. What we did find were several business listings for Mr. Sung, his company names and addresses in contemporary documentation. The earliest of these listings was "Zee Sung & Co." and was listed in the "China & Far East Finance & Commerce Year Book" Shanghai, 1921 where he is listed as one of the principal advertisers in "F. & C." publications. Another entry we were able locate was listed in "The Comacrib Directory of China 1925" published by the Commercial & Credit Information Bureau 29 Szechuen Road, Shanghai, China which was subsequently located on the same street as Mr. Sung's shop. This particular listing was specific and listed out the services that were offered by Sung and is as follows "Zee Sung & Co., Ltd. - Jewellers, Gold and Silver Smiths, Watch Repairers, Engravers, Dealers in Diamonds, Pearls, etc - 105 Szechuan Road" with what appears to be a listing of people who worked under Mr. Sung. The last listing in which we were able to locate was from the "Shanghai Classified Telephone Directory",1947 issue where Mr. Sung is under the Jewellers - Retail section as "Zee Sung Jewellery & Co. 464 Szechuan C (Szecn)". Clearly Mr. Sung was active with his business for a prolonged period and produced countless fine wares. By and large we don't really have a way to determine when a piece of his was made, but with the present piece coming to light a more specific period of manufacture can be ascertained based on the points above and is why we prescribed the date circa 1927-1932. Each piece contained in this beautifully done piece is as follows clockwise: 1) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1916). Tientsin Mint. Hung-hsien (Hongxian [Yuan Shih-kai]). L&M-942; K-663; KM-Y-332. Variety with reeded edge and no signature, dragon reverse. 2) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, Year 12 (1923). Tientsin Mint. L&M-81; K-680; KM-Y-336. Small characters variety. 3) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1912). Wuchang Mint. L&M-45; K-639; KM-Y-321. Li Yuan Hung without hat. 4) CHINA. Kwangtung. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), ND (1890-1908). Kwangtung Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). L&M-133; K-26a; KM-Y-203. Variety with small rosettes (struck from Heaton Mint dies). 5) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1923). Tientsin Mint. L&M-959; K-678. Tsao Kun in military attire/Proclamation of the Constitution commemorative. 6) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1927). L&M-49; K-608; KM-Y-318a.1. High six-pointed stars variety 7) CHINA. Dollar, Year 3 (1911). Tientsin Mint. Hsuan-t'ung (Xuantong [Puyi]). L&M-37; K-227; KM-Y-31. Variety with no dot after "DOLLAR". 8) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1924). Tientsin Mint. L&M-865; K-683. Tuan Chi-jui type commemorating the "Peaceful Unification" of China. 9) CHINA. Kirin. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), CD (1905). Kirin Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). L&M-557; K-513; KM-Y-183a.3. Variety with 1904-style dragon, hooked "sheng" and "kuang," and dot within the Manchu script. 10) CHINA. Dollar, ND (1923). Tientsin Mint. L&M-958; K-677. Tsao Kun in civilian attire/Proclamation of the Constitution commemorative. 11) CHINA. Chihli (Pei Yang). 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), Year 34 (1908). Tientsin (Central) Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). L&M-465; K-208; KM-Y-73.2. Frozen date issue with plain 4 and long tail spine. 12) CHINA. Dollar, Year 10 (1921). Tientsin Mint. L&M-864; K-676. Variety with reeded edge and legend at bottom of reverse. 13) CHINA. Hupeh. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), ND (1909-11). Wuchang Mint. Hsuan-t'ung (Xuantong [Puyi]). L&M-187; K-45; KM-Y-131 14) CHINA. Chang Hsun Silver Medal, Year 1 (1912) L&M-941; KMX-528. Reeded Edge. 15) CHINA. Kiangnan. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), CD (1902)-HAH. L&M-248; K-93; KM-Y-145a.9 16) CHINA. Sinkiang. Sar (Tael), Year 6 (1917). Tihwa Mint. L&M-837; K-1265; KM-Y-45 17) CHINA. Dollar, Year 9 (1920). L&M-77; K-666; KM-Y-329.6 18) GREAT BRITAIN. Trade Dollar, 1911-B. Bombay Mint. KM-T5; Mars-BTD1 19) CHINA. Chihli (Pei Yang). 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), Year 29 (1903). Tientsin (East Arsenal) Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). L&M-462; K-205; KM-Y-73.1. Variety with period after "YANG".Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more information. Estimate: $30000 - $50000 |  |
Match 5:
| Spink > Auction 23151 | Auction date: 14 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 2006 Price realized: 370,000 GBP (Approx. 464,766 USD / 430,977 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: (g) NGC PF63+ UCAM | William IV (1830-1837), Pattern Proof Five-Pounds, 1831, struck from the Coronation 'W.W.' Crown dies in .999 Fine Gold, by William Wyon after Francis Chantrey and Jean-Baptiste Merlen for the Royal Mint, GULIELMUS IIII D: G: BRITANNIAR: REX F: D: bare head right, W.W. buried in truncation, rev. crowned shield-of-arms within the Collar of the Order of the Garter and draped with ermine mantle, St George pendant below, edge plain, [Median Spink XRF: 99.99% Au], 39.828g [614.64grns], 5h ("A Memoir of the Life and Works of William Wyon ESQ A.R.A, Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint", Nicholas Carlisle [1837], pp. 107-109; "The Wyons", L S Forrer [Spink, 1917], p. 103; KM Pn99; Fb. 381; PCGS ID 531509/542036; MCE p. 94, Pattern 34a; L&S 2, p. 71 this coin mentioned; Davies 300; W&R 270 [R5]; ESC 272 [R5]; Bull 2463 [R5]; Holloway GH 102; Sainthill -; Montagu 1086; Murdoch 437; Nobleman 198; Wertheimer 176 = Lingford 533; Blake BL310 this coin ['6 known']; Lady Duveen 64 = Douglas-Morris 184 ['about 10 known']; Spink 3833), an historic scratch to forehead with the faintest wisps to fields, below neckline and to right of mantle above the expected die flaw, with delicate carbon spotting to peripheries, otherwise entirely original and utterly splendiferous, the "frabjous" fields of Wyon's auriferous "wonderland" canon a befittingly exalted canvas for the strikingly high relief and stupendously cameo "Coronation portrait" personally approved by the King from this very obverse die, from an exceedingly limited corpus; this the viable finest of the nine confirmed specimens; truly "fresh from the die" and technically FDC, totally unblemished by recent 'conservation' or even rim contact marks that plague the extremities of every other known survivor, simply put: outrageous; extraordinary; and practically peerless; unseen at public auction for almost a CENTURY, having previously blessed the Alfred John Morris; George Hamilton-Smith; Hugh Vincent Summers, George Blake and Charles Dabney-Thompson cabinets, in NGC 'St. Helier' holder, conservatively graded PF63+ ULTRA CAMEO (Cert. #6767923-004) [Only 1 Certified Finer]. Provenance, ~ Recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records (1969) as the most expensive British coin ever sold at the time. For context, the average house price in the United Kingdom in July 1966 was £3,558.0.0 ~ , Spink, by private treaty, 4 July 1966 - £5,350.0.0, Charles Dabney-Thompson, collection purchased en bloc by Spink, 1965, SCMB, June 1956, BL310* - "AV Five Pounds, 1831, Pattern by William Wyon and Merlen...only six coins of this denomination are believed to have been issued. brilliant, FDC, RRRR" - £800.0.0, George Blake, collection purchased by Seaby, May 1956, ~ 1956: "In May of this year we were able to announce the purchase of the George Blake collection, which was one of the best we have bought in recent years. Pieces worth noting where the Cromwell half-broad, Charles II Petition and Reddite crowns, the George III five guineas of 1777, and the William IV five pounds of 1831" (H A Seaby, SCMB, July 1966, p. 241) ~, B A Seaby, by private treaty with George Blake, by February 1947, Hugh Vincent Summers ['XYZ'], collection purchased by Seaby, 1946, George Hamilton-Smith (died 18 November 1926), Glendining, 23-25 May 1927, lot 189 - "Pattern Five Pound Piece, 1831....edge plain, brilliant and of great rarity" - £110.0.0 [Spink for H V Summers], "Formerly in the Morris Collection", Alfred John Morris (5 February 1880 - 16 January 1943), collection sold by private treaty to Hamilton-Smith, between April and July 1922, Little is known about the Morris collection, as only Hamilton-Smith seems to have directly or at least publicly benefitted from it. It contributed at least three coins, a 1770 Pattern Five Guineas, an 1820 Five Pounds and this 1831 Five Pounds which is rather telling of its calibre and quality. Indeed Morris, first appears on the radar at the Nobleman sale of 27 March 1922, when he newly-registers as a commission bidder with Spink for the sale. Presenting the profile of an investor, strangely Morris targets only four lots - the strikings in silver of the 1820 Five-Pounds and Two-Pounds; a Pattern 1816 Sovereign, and finally lot 67A - the Incorrupta Crown in Gold. Strikingly no effort was made towards bidding for the Pattern Five Guineas, the 1820 Five Pounds or indeed the Renotiere example of the 1831 Gold piece - highly suggestive of a pre-existing collection, but an especially targeted focus when bidding. In each case Morris would be defeated by Spink's separate commission bidder Virgil Michael Brand, perhaps initiating Morris to apply for membership to the British Numismatic Society only a month later whereupon he would undoubtedly have met one of its council members, George Hamilton-Smith who probably persuaded him to approach him in his separate capacity as newly acting director of auctioneer Glendining's. His father had founded a company of upholsterer spring manufacturers, having started his career as a book-keeper in Belper, Derbyshire. Partnering with Edward Bagshaw, the firm of Bagshaw and Morris operated under the Morris' sole ownership from 43 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch between 1889 and 1935. It claimed to be the oldest manufacturer of coppered-steel springs for the upholstery trade. , , Corpus:, , 1) The Arnold Specimen (May 1993); Private Collection [PCGS PR63 DCAM] , , 2) The Murdoch Specimen (January 2020), 39.87g; Private Collection [PCGS PR63 DCAM - Cert. #39237162] , , 3) The Duveen Specimen (October 2020), 39.90g; Submitted for grading, Sarasota, Florida (January 2014), and 'brown'-holdered [NGC PF63 UCAM - Cert. #3731659-001]; Resubmitted and "conserved" before sale in Monaco; Private Collection [NGC PF66* UCAM - Cert. #5744153-004] , , 4) The St. Helier Specimen (May 1927), 39.828g, this coin; [NGC PF63+ UCAM - Cert. #6767923-004] , , 5) The Paramount Specimen (January 2023), 40.446g; graded NGC Proof Details ~ Obverse Tooled [Cert. #6066350-025]; Private Collection, presently unencapsulated. , , 6) The Thomas H Law Specimen (August 2013); [NGC PF63 UCAM]. , , 7) The Strauss Specimen (May 1994); [PCGS PR61 DCAM] , , 8) The Hunterian Specimen (-), ex Major-General William Yorke-Moore, Sotheby's, 21 April 1879, lot 340 - £22.0.0 [Rollin & Feuardent for Burns]; Edward Burns, by private treaty with Coats; Thomas Coats, collection bequeathed to Hunterian Museum, 1921 , , 9) The Ashmolean Specimen (-) , , https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/6767923-004/63/ Estimate: £240000 - £300000 |  |
