| St. James's Auctions Ltd > Auction 86 | Auction date: 28 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 57 Price realized: 45,500 GBP (Approx. 57,705 USD / 53,198 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Victoria, pattern crown, 1845, young head left, smaller date and lettering than on issued coins, rev. crowned shield, plain edge, normal borders (S.3882 for type; ESC.2656), certified and graded by NGC as Proof-64, in other words a choice specimen, pleasing light silvery golden grey toning, extremely rare (R6) and in truth seldom available; an important and impressive crown fit for the most advanced of collections The only one graded as Proof-64 by NGC, none higher. This is the first time this coin has been graded and Proof-64 seems harsh. It wouldn't be out of place in a 65 holder. This celebrated Victorian rarity figures among the most coveted of all crowns of Great Britain, with an estimated total of 5 or fewer thought to exist. Although this style, the Young Head portrait, was first issued for commerce in 1844, struck pieces having slight variants in the portrait's placement, size of the date, size and spacing of the legends, and margins of the rims suggest that the Royal Mint was not entirely satisfied with the balance, or overall appearance, of the coin in 1844. This proof was probably made 'for the record' as what was presumed to be the final version of the first crown made for commerce in this reign. Estimate: 40000 - 50000 GBP |  |
